South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Cronulla Sharks Preview
The Rabbitohs haven't beaten the Sharks in the last five attempts, but can win what promises to a high-scoring game. Souths lead the NRL when it comes to points, averaging 32.5 points per game and scoring 30+ in their last five.
- Rabbitohs have won four of their last six games
- Rabbitohs are averaging 32.5 points per game in 2026 (1st)
- Rabbitohs have scored 30+ points in their last five games
- Sharks have lost four of their last seven games
- Sharks have conceded 34+ points in two of their last three games
- Latrell Mitchell has scored eight tries in his last five games
- Teig Wilton has scored five tries in his last five games, including a hat-trick last week
- Rabbitohs conceded five tries on their right-edge defence last week vs Knights, including four in the first half (Dylan Lucas & Greg Marzhew scored doubles)
Rabbitohs vs Sharks Head To Head
The Sharks have dominated this matchup lately, winning the last five meetings and restricting Souths to 12 points or less in the last three.
South Sydney Rabbitohs Form - Points Machines
It's been a great start to the season for Souths and they are fully deserving of their top four status.
The Rabbitohs are lighting up the competition in attack, but Wayne Bennett would be drilling down the importance of defence at training this week after his side scored 38 points but lost the match against Newcastle last week.
A slow start ultimately cost the Bunnies as they went down 28-10 at half-time. The left edge continues to do damage, with Johnston scoring another double, while Cody Walker also bagged a brace. Latrell scored a memorable try by running over the top of Kalyn Ponga, but it was all too late for Souths.
Cronulla Sharks Form - Jekyll & Hyde Sharks
Just more of the same from Cronulla so far this season - beating up teams they're supposed too and coming up second best against the elite.
Their current position of eighth accurately reflects their form and it will be interesting to see how they perform against a genuine heavyweight side here.
Nicho Hynes was superb in last week's 52-10 romp of the Tigers, but the halfback needs to reproduce that level against stronger opposition.
Teig Wilton was devastating on the left edge as he crossed for a first career hat-trick, while KL Iro also crossed for three tries - his second consecutive hat-trick.
Rabbitohs vs Sharks Team News
Wayne Bennett has made moves to fix his side's right-edge defence by demoting Jamie Humphreys to the bench and promoting Ashton Ward to halfback.
Jye Gray returns at fullback, meaning the lively Matt Dufty moves to the No. 14 role off the bench. Jack Wighton is out with a broken arm, with Campbell Graham shifting to the centres and Ed Kosi coming onto the wing.
No changes for the Sharks, with Jesse Ramien still another week away from returning.