The Brisbane Broncos will look to avoid an eighth straight defeat when they host the Cronulla Sharks at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. 

The Broncos let a half-time lead slip against the Roosters to go down 24-18 last Friday, all but ending their premiership defence as they sit eight points off the top eight. 

Meanwhile, the Sharks had the bye last week, with their most recent match a 27-8 loss to the Roosters in Round 16. 

The Broncos will be missing Origin stars Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas. Aublix Tawha and Jack Gosiewski won't play due to injury, while Josiah Karapani is on a club-imposed suspension. 

However, Deine Mariner and Gehamat Shibasaki return. The Sharks will be without Blayke Brailey, Addin Fonua-Blake and Briton Nikora as they get ready for the Origin decider. 

Tom Hazelton and Billy Burns join the starting side, while Jayden Berrell is the new hooker. Brisbane defeated Cronulla 34-28 when these sides last met last season.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this Suncorp showdown check out our Broncos vs Sharks tips and predictions below.

Broncos vs Sharks Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Worst premiership defence of the NRL era? It has to be up there. Brisbane’s losing streak ticked over to seven in their 24-18 loss to the Roosters at Suncorp last Friday. 

Despite ending Red Hill’s 20 year wait to house the Provan-Summons Trophy again, Brisbane head coach Michael Maguire’s future now hangs in the balance, with reports indicating he could be sacked come season's end.

A loss here could all but seal his fate and based on current form we are tipping the Sharks, who have been barely affected by Origin, to play executioner at Lang Park. 

Betting tip: Cronulla Sharks. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

It’s somewhat of a rare occurrence to be playing away and be the favourite. So when it does occur for Cronulla, hard-running centre KL Iro likes to make the most of it.

Iro has scored at least one try in each of his last five appearances with Cronulla as an away favourite and finds himself our nomination for opening try scorer in this clash. 

Betting tip: KL Iro. 

Over/Under Prediction 

Seven of the last eight night matches between Brisbane and Cronulla have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (48.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Cronulla has failed to cover the line in each of their last six matches as an away favourite.

Betting tip: Broncos (+7.5) line. 

Broncos vs Sharks Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Gehamat Shibasaki

Gehamat Shibasaki has scored at least one try in four of his last five home appearances against opponents that were ranked higher on the ladder.

Ronaldo Mulitalo

Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored at least one try in each of his last six appearances against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

Kotoni Staggs

Kotoni Staggs has scored at least one try in three of his last four appearances with Brisbane as an underdog against Cronulla.

Siosifa Talakai

Siosifa Talakai has scored a try in each of Cronulla's last three matches against Brisbane.

Xavier Willison

Xavier Willison has scored a try in three of his last four appearances with Brisbane as a home underdog.

Brendan Piakura

Brendan Piakura has scored a try in each of Brisbane's last two home matches.

Broncos vs Sharks Teams 

Brisbane Broncos Team List 

1. Hayze Perham

2. Grant Anderson

3. Kotoni Staggs

4. Gehamat Shibasaki

5. Deine Mariner

6. Tom Duffy

7. Ben Hunt 

8. Va'a Semu

9. Cory Paix

10. Preston Riki

11. Brendan Piakura

12. Jordan Riki

13. Xavier Willison

14. Blake Mozer

15. Ben Talty

16. Jaiyden Hunt

17. Jesse Arthars

18. Josh Rogers

Cronulla Sharks Team List 

1. Will Kennedy 

2. Sione Katoa

3. Jesse Ramien 

4. KL Iro

5. Ronaldo Mulitalo

6. Braydon Trindall 

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Thomas Hazelton 

9.  Jayden Berrell

10. Jesse Colquhoun

11. Billy Burns

12. Teig Wilton 

13. Cam McInnes (c)

14. Hohepa Puru

15. Oregon Kaufusi

16. Siosifa Talakai

17. Tuku Hau Tapuha

18. Mawene Hiroti

Broncos vs Sharks Match Details 

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026. 

Kick-off: 7:35pm AEST. 

Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.