Round 15 NRL Predictions: Joey Urges Star No. 9 to ‘Take the Ball’ for Struggling Sharks

Andrew Johns has an important message for elite hooker Blayke Brailey as the Sharks aim to realign their season during a crucial local derby against the Dragons this Thursday evening.

Despite the absence of players being impacted by Origin for both games one and two, the Sharks have managed to struggle significantly in recent weeks, conceding a staggering 82 points in two consecutive losses to the Warriors and Roosters, with a bye interrupting their schedule.

While defence will undoubtedly take centre stage for Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon as he seeks to halt the team’s downward spiral, Johns issued a straightforward challenge for the club’s No. 9 to shift the pressure back onto their rivals: run the ball.

“You are such a threat when you run,” Johns stated on Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and Joey’s Tips. “Run.”

Johns expressed his faith in the Sharks to clinch victory “on trust,” highlighting the critical nature of their round 15 match, which will be followed by challenging fixtures in Brisbane and Melbourne against the unpredictable Broncos and the title favourites, respectively.

The Sharks occupy the fifth position on the ladder, yet their current form could potentially see them slide out of the top eight by late June if they don’t turn things around.

Brad Fittler has labelled the club as “on the nose” based on their recent performances.

“And they haven’t lost any Origin players,” Johns added. “These next three or four games are pivotal for both teams.”

Currently sitting at 11th place with a negative points differential, the Dragons have a chance to level up with the Sharks at 16 competition points should they manage an upset this Thursday evening.

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Despite Cronulla’s disappointing form, Nine’s panel of expert tipsters show little confidence in Shane Flanagan’s side pulling off an upset.

The Sharks will be bolstered by the return of standout winger Ronaldo Mulitalo after serving a suspension, with front-rower Toby Rudolf listed among the reserves and potentially making a swift return from a syndesmosis injury.

On the other hand, the Dragons have reinstated the unpredictable young talent Tyrell Sloan to the wing in a restructured backline, missing Valentine Holmes due to his Origin commitments with Queensland.

Scroll down for the current lineup and Round 15 predictions from all Nine’s expert tipsters!

Andrew Johns: Sharks, Sea Eagles, Roosters, Dolphins, Bulldogs

Brad Fittler: Sharks, Sea Eagles, Roosters, Dolphins, Bulldogs

Danika Mason: Sharks, Sea Eagles, Roosters, Dolphins, Bulldogs

Darren Lockyer: Sharks, Sea Eagles, Roosters, Dolphins, Rabbitohs

Paul Gallen: Sharks, Sea Eagles, Roosters, Dolphins, Bulldogs

Mat Thompson: Sharks, Sea Eagles, Knights, Dolphins, Bulldogs

Peter Psaltis: Sharks, Sea Eagles, Roosters, Dolphins, Bulldogs

David Middleton: Sharks, Sea Eagles, Roosters, Dolphins, Bulldogs

The Mole: Sharks, Sea Eagles, Roosters, Dolphins, Bulldogs

Ben Glover: Sharks, Sea Eagles, Roosters, Cowboys, Bulldogs