After a strong statement to start the season, we will see if the Sharks can match it with the big boys when they face the Penrith Panthers in Bathurst on Saturday night.

The Sharks piled on the points against the Titans, prevailing 50-10 after racing off to a 34-0 lead by half-time, with halves pairing Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall each scoring a double.

The Panthers made a statement of their own, addressing the demons of last year’s preliminary final on the same patch of turf by inflicting the heaviest opening round defeat of a reigning premier in NRL history, overcoming Brisbane 26-0 at Suncorp Stadium.

It was an eerie warning shot to the rest of the competition that Penrith remains the benchmark.

On the team news front, there are no changes required for Penrith with Liam Martin still sidelined.

Craig Fitzgibbon has also left his side unchanged, with the Sharks looking for their first win over the Panthers since 2021.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this Bathurst battle, check out our Panthers vs Sharks tips and predictions below.

Panthers vs Sharks Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Start your engines, we’re heading to Bathurst on Saturday night thanks to the Panthers and Sharks.

Penrith once again are taking one of their home games to Carrington Park, this time in Round 2.

What a game the locals in Bathurst have on their hands here. Both sides were big winners last week over a pair of Queensland clubs.

The Panthers saw off Brisbane 26-0 at Lang Park no less, while the Sharks obliterated the Titans 50-10.

While the Sharks win was impressive, the quality of their opposition was not. Beating up the Titans at your own home is one thing, taking down the defending Champions on their patch is another.

The way in which Penrith dispatched the Broncos, keeping them scoreless in the process, should serve as a massive warning for the rest of the competition.

Betting tip: Penrith Panthers.

First Try Scorer Prediction

There’s two things Casey McLean loves. Scoring tries and road trips. The Penrith centre has scored at least one try in six of their last seven matches outside of Sydney.

He also nabbed the opener last week in his side’s statement win over the Broncos and we’re tipping him to run it back this week.

Betting tip: Casey McLean.

Over/Under Prediction

Nine of Penrith's last 10 home matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (42.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

Cronulla has covered the line in each of their last seven matches.

Betting tip: Sharks (+7.5) line.

Panthers vs Sharks Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

KL Iro

KL Iro has scored at least one try in each of his last six appearances outside of Sydney.

Paul Alamoti

Paul Alamoti has scored at least one try in each of his last five appearances in New South Wales.

Sam Stonestreet

Sam Stonestreet has scored two tries in four of his last five appearances outside of Sydney.

Thomas Jenkins

Thomas Jenkins has scored at least one try in five of his last six appearances outside of Sydney.

Isaiah Papali'i

Isaiah Papali'i has scored a try in three of Penrith's last four matches as a favourite.

Panthers vs Sharks Teams

Penrith Panthers Team List

1. Dylan Edwards 

2. Thomas Jenkins

3. Paul Alamoti

4. Casey McLean

5. Brian To'o

6. Blaize Talagi

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Moses Leota 

9. Mitch Kenny

10. Lindsay Smith 

11. Isaiah Papali'i

12. Luke Garner 

13. Isaah Yeo (c)

14. Jack Cogger

15. Billy Phillips

16. Scott Sorensen

17. Kalani Going

18. Izack Tago

Cronulla Sharks Team List

1. Will Kennedy

2. Sione Katoa

3. Jesse Ramien

4. KL Iro

5. Sam Stonestreet

6. Braydon Trindall

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Addin Fonua-Blake

9. Blayke Brailey (c)

10. Thomas Hazelton

11. Briton Nikora

12. Billy Burns

13. Jesse Colquhoun

14. Sifa Talakai

15. Toby Rudolf

16. Oregon Kaufusi

17. Braden Uele

18. Hohepa Puru

Panthers vs Sharks Match Details

Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Kick-off: 7:35pm AEDT.

Location: Carrington Park, Bathurst.