Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders Verdict
Cronulla had an off day last week, losing to the bottom side the Dragons. That was a real shocker of a performance and I'm backing the Sharks to get their premiership bid back on track with a comfortable home win over the Raiders.
- Sharks have won nine of their last 11 games
- Six of those nine wins have covered a -8.5 line
- Sharks have scored 31+ points in nine of their 13 wins this season
- Sharks have won five of their last six meetings vs Raiders
- Sharks have covered a -8.5 line & scored 31+ points in their last five wins vs Raiders
- Raiders haven't won at Ocean Protect Stadium since 2019
- Raiders have lost eight of their last 13 games
- Raiders have leaked 30+ points in their last three defeats, including 42 exactly in two
- Raiders have leaked 30+ points in nine of their 12 defeats this season
- KL Iro has scored 12 tries in 18 games this season & has scored in his last two appearances vs Raiders
- Billy Burns scored a try last week & has also scored in his last two appearances vs Raiders
Head To Head
The Sharks have won five of the last six encounters, including a finals win last year. Canberra are without a win in the Shire since 2019.
Cronulla Sharks Form - Shocking Performance
A spot in the finals has never really looked in doubt, but do the Sharks have what it takes to beat the genuine elite and in-form sides when they get there?
Nicho Hynes finally stepped up over the last couple of months to justify his heavy price tag and alongside Braydon Trindall, the Sharks' attack was humming as the team won nine of 10 games before last week.
However, Cronulla rocked up flat as a pancake against the Dragons and the NRL's bottom side - who continue to put in loads of effort - made them pay. It leaves the Sharks clinging onto fourth spot on points differential.
Canberra Raiders Form - Finals Unlikely
The Raiders somehow won the minor premiership last year on the back of countless 1-12 victories and the tables have turned in 2026, with the Green Machine all but out of the finals race heading into Round 24.
Canberra attempted a late surge into the finals picture with four straight wins, but ultimately they left their run too late.
Ricky Stuart's side were outclassed by the Panthers in Mudgee 42-18 before losing out to the Knights in a must-win game at home last week, falling 30-24.
The two sides went try-for-try throughout the contest, but a late brain snap from the fiery Corey Horsburgh cost Canberra as Big Red was sent to the sin bin for slapping Dane Gagai during an incident in the play the ball.
Sharks vs Raiders Team News
Stuart blew up deluxe in the press conference and that's probably the last time we ever see Horsburgh in a Canberra jersey again.
Ata Mariota moves to prop and Matty Nicholson starts in the back row, with Seb Kris and Venasiotangifetaua Patuki Case joining the bench. Savelio Tamale also comes in for Simi Sasagi, who is set to undergo shoulder surgery.
Addin Fonua-Blake is suspended for the Sharks, meaning Oregon Kaufusi comes into the starting side.
KL Iro is back from concussion and slots into centre for Jesse Ramien, who is out with a pectoral injury. Siosifa Talakai returns on the bench from a bicep injury.