Andrew Johns has a key message for Blayke Brailey as the Sharks gear up to regain momentum in their upcoming local derby with the Dragons. After two heavy defeats against the Warriors and Roosters, with a bye in between, the Sharks are in dire need of a turnaround. Their defence has been a major concern, leaking 82 points in consecutive losses, even without any players missing due to State of Origin commitments.
Johns, speaking on Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and Joey’s Tips, urged Brailey to exert pressure by running the ball more frequently, suggesting that this will make the team more threatening on the field. He predicts a Sharks victory "on trust," emphasising the need for a strong performance as they face upcoming matches against tough competitors, including the Broncos and the Storm.
Currently, the Sharks sit fifth on the ladder but risk falling out of the finals race if their form doesn’t improve. Commentators like Brad Fittler have described their recent performances as "on the nose," and Johns acknowledged the pressure on both teams in their next three or four matches.
The Dragons, positioned in 11th place, hope to elevate their standing to equal the Sharks on points with a potential upset. Despite the Sharks’ current struggles, experts seem hesitant to bet against them. The Sharks benefit from the return of star winger Ronaldo Mulitalo, while front-rower Toby Rudolf is set to make a return from injury.
In contrast, the Dragons have made adjustments to their squad, recalling Tyrell Sloan to the wing as they cope with missing Valentine Holmes, who is representing Queensland in the Origin.
As for predictions, several pundits, including Johns and Fittler, have picked the Sharks to win, pointing to their past performance capabilities as a sign of potential recovery. The upcoming game not only offers an opportunity for teams to solidify their standings but also carries significant implications for the remainder of the season as both aim to reclaim their competitive edge.
With the match on Thursday night, all eyes will be on whether the Sharks can halt their downward trend against the Dragons, setting the stage for an intense showdown.