Cronulla Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Verdict
Cronulla have won eight of their last nine matches since Round 11 and are flying towards a top four finish. Despite given a -11.5 to cover, I think they can do so having recorded nine of their 12 wins this season by 12+ points.
- Nine of Cronulla’s 12 wins have come by at least 12 points.
- The Sharks have won eight of their last nine matches.
- Cronulla have held six of their last seven opponents to 20 points or fewer.
- Sione Katoa has scored eight tries across his last five games.
Head to Head
Cronulla have won five of their last six matches against South Sydney, although the Rabbitohs claimed a convincing 36-12 victory when the teams met earlier this season.
Before that defeat, the Sharks had won four consecutive meetings. They recorded victories of 14-12 and 27-12 in 2025 after winning 20-6 and 34-22 during the 2024 season.
South Sydney have also struggled at Cronulla’s home ground, winning only one of their last seven matches at Ocean Protect Stadium.
Cronulla Sharks Form - Flying Sharks
Cronulla have won four consecutive matches and feight of their last nine, beating Brisbane, the Dolphins, Newcastle and Manly during their winning streak.
Their last three victories have come by margins of 66, two and 36 points, showing they can dominate open contests or remain patient in tighter games.
Cronulla have averaged 34 points across their last five matches while conceding only 14.6. They rank second for points, fourth for defensive linebreaks and first for run metres allowed.
Hynes and Trindall appear to have found their best balance in the halves, combining for five try assists against Manly. Addin Fonua-Blake continues to establish the platform through the middle, while Tom Hazelton returns to strengthen the starting front row.
South Sydney Rabbitohs Form - 3 Wins In 5
South Sydney enter Round 22 after securing a dramatic 28-26 victory over Melbourne, with Campbell Graham scoring the match-winning try in the closing stages.
The Rabbitohs have won three of their last five matches, beating Parramatta, Newcastle and Melbourne while losing to Penrith and Canberra. Their attack has averaged 24.8 points during that period, but they have conceded 26.4.
South Sydney produced six tries against the Storm despite missing several important players, but their defence remains a concern against a Cronulla side currently creating opportunities across the field.