Friday, Toyota Stadium, 7.35pm
Referee: Jason Robinson

The result means plenty to the finals aspirations of these two sides. The Sharks will guarantee a top-four spot and keep alive hopes for a top-two finish if they win. The Roosters would make themselves pretty safe in the top four with a win. If they lose, they would still finish the round in fourth spot, but at the risk of a few other teams in the top eight getting a bit too close for comfort to them with a couple of rounds to go.

Neither team is in the form they would like to be this close to the playoffs. The Sharks were disappointing in their 18-4 loss on the road against the Warriors last weekend. The game was the perfect example of how they struggle if their normally resolute defence is just a bit less committed than usual. Despite having won twice as many games as they have lost and being third on the competition table, they have scored more points than only one other team in the NRL the hapless Bulldogs. The Roosters have lost two in a row, at home against the Eels and away against the Storm. They need to harden up now or they won't be the force they are capable of being in the finals.

The Sharks have a 7-3 record at home and the Roosters are 7-4 away. The Sharks will muscle up for this game and try to grind out a win in typical style. If the Roosters accept the physical challenge, they will make it a contest. The Sharks deserve favouritism at home.