NRL Friday night footy tips, Sharks vs Roosters, April 6

6pm Friday April 6, 2018, at Shark Park (Southern Cross Group Stadium)

IT’S a Sydney showdown on Friday night as the ninth placed Cronulla Sharks host the Sydney Roosters at Shark Park.

After a shaky start to the season the home side is brimming with confidence. Cronulla is fresh off a commanding 14-4 win over the Melbourne Storm, which saw the Sharks square up their season ledger at two wins from four matches.

The Sydney Roosters sit above their Friday night opponents on the ladder but their win loss total is exactly the same.

The Chooks come into this match on the back of a disappointing 24-point home loss at the hands of the unbeaten New Zealand Warriors. Despite taking the lead within the first two minutes of the match, the Tricolours were blitzed by the Kiwis, conceding the next four tries.

Which team will solidify their position inside the top eight? Let’s take a look at the facts.

Players to watch – Sharks v Roosters

Sharks – Matt Moylan: It is fair to say Moylan hasn’t reached his lofty ceiling since donning the Sharks jersey, but we’re backing him in for a big match. The NSW representative will be facing a tough task of proving he belongs in the Blues line-up ahead of opposite number Luke Keary. Expect Moylan to deliver a strong performance.

Roosters – Latrell Mitchell: Mitchell was the only try scorer in last week’s capitulation to the Warriors, crossing the line in the opening minutes. This was the second time that Mitchell had scored the first try in 2018, and the prolific scorer is at the $11 mark via Sportsbet to add a third first try to his list on Friday night.

Sharks team

1 Josh Dugan, 2 Sosaia Feki, 3 Jesse Ramien, 4 Ricky Leutele, 5 Valentine Holmes, 6 Matt Moylan, 7 Chad Townsend, 8 Andrew Fifita, 9 Jayden Brailey, 10 Matt Prior, 11 Luke Lewis, 12 Wade Graham (c), 13 Paul Gallen (c)

Interchange: 14 Kurt Capewell, 15 James Segeyaro, 16 Avagalu Seumanufagai, 17 Joseph Paulo

Roosters team

1 James Tedesco, 2 Reece Robinson, 3 Latrell Mitchell, 4 Joseph Manu, 5 Blake Ferguson, 6 Luke Keary, 7 Cooper Cronk, 8 Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 9 Jake Friend (c), 10 Dylan Napa, 11 Boyd Cordner (c), 12 Ryan Matterson, 13 Isaac Liu

Interchange: 14 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 15 Zane Tetevano, 16 Mitchell Aubusson, 17 Victor Radley

Sharks vs Roosters – who wins?

We’re backing in the Roosters to atone for last week’s poor performance.

While the Sharks delivered a powerful defensive display against the reigning premiers last week, it is hard to envisage they can bring that same intensity into Friday night given the spiteful circumstances of round four.

The Tricolours should be at their attacking best and will provide far too much offense for the Sharks to handle.

Tip: Sydney Roosters to win 1-12 ($3 at Sportsbet)