NRL finals LIVE updates: Roosters face Sharks in sudden-death showdown

It’s do-or-die time in the NRL now, with just six clubs remaining and every game ending the premiership chances of one contender from here on in.Opening the second weekend of finals footy is tonight’s clash between powerhouses the Roosters and perennial finals contenders Cronulla.The Sharks are always thereabouts at this time of the year but haven’t really challenged for a title since their lone premiership win in 2016. They advanced to the third week of the finals before bowing out in each of the past two seasons. All eyes will be on the halves duo of Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall – the latter being their chief playmaker these days but also a target for Roosters defenders after appearing to struggle in his return from a shoulder injury last week.The Roosters meanwhile have boasted arguably the most talented squad in the league this season, but tonight are again without halfback Sam Walker. They have also been frustratingly hit-or-miss for much of the year – they gave away the most errors and fourth-most penalties in the league – but when they’re at their best they are lethal in attack, peaking with a ridiculous 82-12 win over North Queensland in July.Kick-off is at 7.50pm.Roosters fullback James Tedesco in action against Cronulla in June.Getty Images