Different fortunes give Shire match-up a different feel in 2013.
The shoe is on the other foot now for the two sides south of Sydney in the NRL, as the Cronulla Sharks prepare to face the St George Illawarra Dragons in round four.
In past years the Shire derby has always presented both clubs and their fans with a special occasion, however, the previously poorer cousin Cronulla has taken the mantle as the team to beat.
Despite the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) scandal still hovering over them, the Sharks continue to fire on the field and are further buoyed by the return of popular coach Shane Flanagan last round.
Flanagan’s return to the job, after being stood down by the Cronulla board in the wake of the ASADA scandal, saw the Sharks thump a disappointing Warriors outfit 28-4.
Cronulla have again named a full-strength side for the clash with the Dragons, who will have to try and slow down Paul Gallen and Andrew Fifita who got through plenty of work for the Sharks last weekend.
St-George coach Steve Price will be happy with any type of win this weekend, with his position as leader of the club coming under increasing pressure after only three weeks.
The Dragons once again fell to their hoodoo in Canberra last start, as they wilted under the pressure put on them by the Raiders.
Poor ball control and a lack of options from their halves Jamie Soward and Nathen Fien have been key areas of concern for the Dragons as they look to earn their first win of the season in round four.
Sharks: Michael Gordon, Jonathan Wright, Ben Pomeroy, Matthew Wright, Beau Ryan, Todd Carney, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, John Morris, Ben Ross, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Chris Heighington, Jayson Bukuya, Isaac De Gois, Anthony Tupou, Sam Tagataese
Dragons: Gerard Beale, Brett Morris, Daniel Vidot, Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Nathan Fien, Dan Hunt, Mitch Rein, Michael Weyman, Tyson Frizell, Ben Creagh (c), Trent Merrin. Interchange: Bronson Harrison, Jack Stockwell, Matt Prior, Cameron King, Leeson Ah Mau, Chase Stanley
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