The Cronulla Sharks will look to maintain pressure on the top four when visiting the Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

The Sharks defeated the Titans 30-22 last Sunday and sit just two points behind the fourth-placed Dolphins entering Round 26, while holding a healthy point differential advantage.

Meanwhile, the Eels fell 34-16 to the Dolphins last Friday, marking a third consecutive season of at least 14 losses. 

Ryda Talagi, the brother of former Eel Blaize, is set to make his NRL debut off the bench. Jezaiah Funa drops out after debuting last week, while Jordan Samrani remains sidelined after withdrawing minutes before the Dolphins clash. 

Dylan Walker and Bailey Simonsson are named on the extended bench as they work their way back from injury. 

Braden Uele replaces Samuel Stonestreet on the interchange in Cronulla’s only change. 

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of the final game of NRL Round 26, check out our Eels vs Sharks tips and predictions below!

Eels vs Sharks Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

The final game of NRL Round 26 sees the Parramatta Eels welcome the Cronulla Sharks to CommBank Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Sharks are in excellent shape heading into this one, sitting 5th and guaranteed to be playing finals footy after accounting for the Titans last start. 

The Eels, not so much. Their loss to the Dolphins was another disappointing result in another disappointing season and they’ve been playing for pride alone for some time now.

Cronulla should account for the Eels without too much trouble, even without the services of Braydon Trindall who is nursing a shoulder injury at the moment. 

Betting tip: Cronulla Sharks. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

He loves playing on the road and he loves playing against Parramatta and Cronulla fullback Will Kennedy gets to do both of those things this week.

Kennedy has scored at least one try in each of Cronulla's last two away matches against Parramatta and we’re backing him to cross for the first try here. 

Betting tip: Will Kennedy.

Over/Under Prediction 

Six of Parramatta's last seven home matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under 52.5 total match points. 

Line Prediction

The home team has covered the line in eight of the last nine matches between Parramatta and Cronulla.

Betting tip: Eels (+5.5) line. 

Eels vs Sharks Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Josh Addo-Carr

In seven of Cronulla's last eight matches as a favourite, the opposition's starting left wing has scored at least one try.

Sione Katoa

Sione Katoa has scored at least one try in each of Cronulla's last six away matches.

Ronald Volkman

Ronald Volkman has scored a try in each of Parramatta's last three matches.

KL Iro

KL Iro has scored at least one try in six of his last eight appearances with Cronulla as an away favourite.

Tallyn Da Silva

Tallyn Da Silva has scored at least one try in each of Parramatta's last three matches in Sydney.

Will Penisini

Will Penisini has scored a try in four of his last six home appearances.

Eels vs Sharks Teams 

Parramatta Eels Team List 

1. Apa Twidle

2. Brian Kelly

3. Will Penisini

4. Sean Russell

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Ronald Volkman

7. Mitchell Moses (c)

8. Luca Moretti

9. Tallyn Da Silva

10. Junior Paulo

11. Jack Williams

12. Kitione Kautoga

13. Saxon Pryke

14. Harrison Edwards

15. Ryda Talagi

16. Teancum Brown

17. Dylan Walker

18. Jack De Bellin

19. Bailey Simonsson

Cronulla Sharks Team List 

1. Will Kennedy 

2. Sione Katoa

3. Mawene Hiroti 

4. KL Iro

5. Ronaldo Mulitalo

6. Niwhai Puru

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Addin Fanua-Blake

9. Blayke Brailey (c)

10. Jesse Colquhoun

11. Briton Nikora

12. Teig Wilton 

13. Cam McInnes

14. Siosifa Talakai

15. Billy Burns

16. Oregon Kaufusi

17. Tom Hazelton

18. Hohepa Puru

19. Braden Uele

Eels vs Sharks Match Details 

Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026. 

Kick-off: 4:05pm AEST. 

Location: CommBank Stadium, Sydney.