Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks Verdict
Brisbane have lost six of their last seven and conceded 34.4 points per game across their last five. That doesn't bode well against a Sharks side which has plenty of points in them. Take Cronulla to cover over 28.5 points and to win by 13+ points.
- Brisbane have conceded 34.4 points per game across their last five games.
- Cronulla have won four of their last five and averaged 23.6 points in that run.
- The Broncos are missing Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan on Origin duty.
- Brisbane have allowed a try to an opposition half or five-eighth in eight straight games.
Head to Head Stats
Brisbane have won three of the last five meetings with every one of those five games finished by 10 points or fewer.
Brisbane Broncos Form - Defensive Problems
Across their last five games the Broncos have averaged 17.0 points scored and 34.4 conceded, which is a dangerous profile against a Sharks side capable of piling on points quickly.
The team list has been hit hard. Walsh, Haas and Carrigan are on Origin duty, while Tawha, Gosiewski and Karapani are also missing.
Hayze Perham is named at fullback, Deine Mariner returns on the wing and Vaa Semu starts at prop.
Cronulla Sharks Form - Sharks Swarming
Cronulla have won four of their last five and their defence has been solid enough across that run, allowing 17.0 points per game.
They are not at full strength, but this is still a side with a huge spine advantage if Hynes and Trindall control field position.
The Sharks lose Fonua-Blake, Brailey and Nikora, with Tom Hazelton starting at prop, Jayden Berrell at hooker and Billy Burns moving into the back row.
Even with those changes, Cronulla should have enough polish to punish Brisbane's errors.