Sharks v Titans preview

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Gold Coast Titans
Remondis Stadium - Saturday 5:30pm

For one team the losing streak will end, for the other, the miserable start to 2015 will continue.

Since April last season, the Sharks and Titans have registered three wins each in the subsequent 19 matches played. Both sides have won only one of their past ten games. For the winner of this round four encounter the incentive could not be higher.

After a disappointing opening three matches, the Sharks return to Remondis Stadium hopeful of securing their first win at the venue since round eight last year. The one bright spot for the Sharks this season has been the form of Paul Gallen, after missing the final three matches of 2014 through ASADA imposed suspension, the Cronulla captain has been tireless in his pursuit to lead the Sharks to a win. Running for over 200 metres, making close to 40 tackles and offloading several times in a game, Gallen has shown his ability but has been unable to get the Black, White and Blue a win.

Putting aside their miserable trip to Bathurst, the Titans have shown substantial spirit considering the controversy surrounding the club over the past month. Going down to the Knights as a result of poor goal line defence and horrible kicking options late in the game, the Titans will be hoping their close efforts in the opening three weeks will see them run out victors at a venue that has seen the Gold Coast run out winners only twice from seven appearances.

Both sides feature a number of changes, including several debutants. With Ben Barba out suspended, the Sharks will shift Wade Graham back to the five-eighth role, while Chris Heighington, playing in his 250th game, will start in place of Sam Tagaetese who misses out altogether. Coming onto the bench is former Dragon Jack Bird who impressed in his performances at the Auckland Nines. Also making his first grade debut is Kane Elgey, with Daniel Mortimer out with a wrist injury, the reigning Holden Cup Player of the Year will get his opportunity after starring in the Queensland Cup in recent weeks.

Last meeting: Round 1 2014 - Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 12 Gold Coast Titans 18

Who to watch: His days as a representative forward may be long gone, but Anthony Tupou has shown glimpses of the form that made the former Rooster one of the brightest prospects in the game. Working off the bench, the ball-playing back-rower has offered an attacking spark absent in much of the Sharks play so far in 2015, working in combination with Chris Heighington to produce several tries this season, including a fantastic effort against Melbourne for Jeff Robson. While the starting forwards will be hoping to establish a platform to set up a Cronulla win, expect Tupou to play a major role in scoring the points required for the Sharks to come away with their first victory of the season.

After producing one of the finest performances of his 56-game career, Aidan Sezer will be out to replicate his attacking efforts to finally see the Gold Coast register two-competition points. Having been much maligned for his running game throughout his career, Sezer has stepped up this season, averaging ten runs a game whilst maintaining his first-class kicking game, both features that saw the number six cross the line against Newcastle. With Daly Cherry-Evans joining the Titans for 2016, much has been made regarding who will partner the Manly halfback, if Sezer can continue his strong form the ball will be firmly in his court to remain on the Gold Coast or attract suitors from rival clubs including the Sea Eagles.

The favourite: In a match played between two sides yet to register a win in 2015 it's difficult to back either team with confidence. Playing in front of a home crowd might be enough to see the Sharks singing Up, Up Cronulla at the end of 80 minutes, but with Greg Bird returning to his old stomping ground, the Titans may have the grit to pull off a much-needed win.

My tip: With both sides desperate for a win, this game looks headed for golden point. Titans by 1.

1. Michael Gordon 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Gerard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Wade Graham 7. Jeff Robson 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 10. Chris Heighington 11. Jayson Bukuya 12. Anthony Tupou 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Luke Lewis 15. Matt Prior 16. Jack Bird 17. David Fifita 18. Tinirau Arona

1. Josh Hoffman 2. Anthony Don 3. James Roberts 4. William Zillman 5. David Mead 6. Aidan Sezer 7. Kane Elgey 8. Luke Douglas 9. Beau Falloon 10. Nate Myles 11. Ryan James 12. Dave Taylor 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 14. Eddy Pettybourne 15. Matt White 16. Ryan Simpkins 17. Kierran Moseley 18. Agnatius Paasi

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Dave Ryan, Phil Henderson; Video Referees: Shayne Hayne, Henry Perenara;

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