Sharks v Roosters NRL tips & same game multi – Friday, April 14

Friday night NRL action kicks off in Cronulla with the Sharks hosting the Sydney Roosters at PointsBet Stadium. Both clubs have started slower than many fans and experts expected, yet this shapes to be the match of the round by far.

The Cronulla Sharks have lost Dale Finucane to suspension and Toby Rudolph for an extended period through injury, bringing Royce Hunt and Cameron McInnes into the starting line-up. Wade Graham returns from suspension to the bench, while Thomas Hazelton also joins the matchday squad.

The Roosters are welcoming back superstar fullback James Tedesco following the concussion he suffered against the Eels in round five, while Matt Lodge returns on the bench from his broken cheekbone. Tedesco’s return pushes Joseph Manu back into the centres and Drew Hutchison to the bench, with Jake Turpin dropping back to the reserves.

The Roosters certainly deserve favouritism with Tedesco returning to the side, along with the strengthened bench, and the fact they will be looking to bounce back from their loss to the Storm. However, taking on the Sharks in Cronulla is fast becoming one of the toughest away fixtures in the NRL. The home side will be looking to make amends for a narrow and unlikely loss to the Warriors a fortnight ago by continuing the trend of teams winning following their bye. Cronulla to win looks the play at $2.15 with BetOnline.

The Sharks’ left edge is fast becoming one of the most dangerous attacking units in the NRL. There is a growing frequency of events where both Nicho Hynes and Matt Moylan combine on that side of the field, which regularly results in tries being scored. Their target will be the inexperienced Roosters winger Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – who, despite his immense talent, is prone to making mistakes defensively. For this reason, look for Sharks flyer Ronaldo Mulitalo to be the first try-scorer of the match ($10).

The amount of talent and point-scoring potential between these two sides is incredible. Notable changes to the teams since their last clash include the additions of Jesse Ramien, Jaxson Paulo and Brandon Smith to go with Hynes, Mulitalo, Tedesco, Suaalii, Sam Walker and Luke Keary. Dry conditions are predicted for Cronulla, which will only enhance the chances of a high-scoring match that goes over 40.5 total points ($1.90).

Key matchup: Kennedy v Tedesco

William Kennedy vs James Tedesco

The battle of these fullbacks could be one of the better contests so far in the season, given the Roosters captain is returning from injury and William Kennedy is arguably the form fullback of the competition. In five games, the Sharks No.1 has scored six tries, assisted on two more, and broken four defensive lines and 13 tackles. His hat-trick against the Eels in round two began a scoring streak that is yet to be broken. Tedesco will need to be on his toes in ‘The Shire’ in his return from injury, as Kennedy’s speed and support play nets him and the Sharks the types of tries that can break opponents.

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