Dallin returns for Sharks showdown

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak returns on the right wing in one of two changes to the Vodafone Warriors’ line-up for their clash with fourth-placed Cronulla in Sydney on Sunday (kick off 4.05pm).

The 155-game veteran missed the Canberra golden point win after being concussed early in the second half of the Warriors’ Anzac Day defeat in Melbourne.

Cleared after undergoing head injury protocols, Watene-Zelezniak replaces one-year signing Jesse Arthars, who picked up a shoulder injury against Raiders.

Also out of the starting side is second rower Bayley Sironen, who needed treatment for a leg complaint during Saturday’s contest.

He has been named in jersey #18 with Eliesa Katoa moved off the bench to start in the second row.

Golden point

After his superb first outing for the club – and his first NRL win in 11 attempts – Daejarn Asi will again be in the halves with golden point match winner Shaun Johnson.

As well as providing two try assists, Asi highlighted his Vodafone Warriors debut with a big shot on Canberra halfback Brad Schneider, voted by fans as the NRL’s tackle of the week.

The interchange bench is boosted by Aaron Pene’s return from a one-match suspension.

He is named alongside last week’s other three interchange options Jack Murchie, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Bunty Afoa.

The match will have special significance for Johnson who lines up against his former club at his old home ground for the first time since being reunited with the Vodafone Warriors. 

New signing

Under new coach Craig Fitzgibbon, the Sharks have been transformed into one of the NRL’s best sides so far this season.

In the two games between the sides last year, Cronulla won 20-12 in round 17 but the Vodafone Warriors avenged that result with a brave 18-16 victory in round 21.

Ronald Volkman, the Sydney Roosters half-back rated one of rugby league’s hottest prospects, has been signed by the Vodafone Warriors for three seasons from 2023.

Based on the Redcliffe peninsula this season, Warriors beat a number of rival clubs to secure the gifted 19 year old and further bolster their roster for next season and beyond.

They’ve already secured experienced Manly Warringah centre Dylan Walker, Newcastle second rower Mitchell Barnett, Parramatta second rower Marata Niukore and Cronulla Sutherland playmaker Luke Metcalf for 2023 onwards.