With both sides looking to right the wrongs of consecutive losses, the Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks will battle it out at GIO Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

There will be extra motivation for the Raiders given the last meeting between these sides saw their season cut short, with the Sharks claiming a 32-12 away triumph in the second week of the 2025 finals.

More recently, the Raiders lost 14-10 in a nail-biter against the Bulldogs last Thursday, while the Sharks were dismantled 38-10 on their home deck by the Dolphins.

Josh Papali’i’s suspension sees Morgan Smithies get another start, with Joe Roddy added to the bench for the Green Machine.

After getting through his return from the interchange last week, Teig Wilton will start for the Sharks in place of the injured Briton Nikora, with Braden Uele the new face on the pine.

Cronulla has won four of the last five meetings between these clubs, two of which came at this venue.

Can the Sharks continue this impressive record over the Raiders? For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this Sunday special check out our Raiders vs Sharks tips and predictions below.

Raiders vs Sharks Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

NRL round 4 brings us a rematch of last year's elimination final, where the Sharks prevailed over Canberra, bustling the minor premiers out of the final’s series. 

Ricky Stuart's men will not have forgotten, and they’ll be out for blood this week against the boys from the Shire. 

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon will be disappointed after his side was destroyed by the Dolphins at home last week. Cronulla’s usually reliable defensive system crumbled under pressure, and they’ll be desperate to prove that performance was merely a blip in an otherwise competitive start to 2026.

While the Raiders have shown flashes of brilliance this season, Cronulla’s superior fitness and general consistency across eighty minutes make them the favourites to take the chocolates in this one.

We're tipping the Sharks to recalibrate their defence and grind out a professional win in what is traditionally a physical encounter at GIO Stadium.

Betting tip: Cronulla Sharks.

First Try Scorer Prediction

With Canberra struggling to start the season, they need someone to step up in a big way to get them out of their rut. Who better than prodigal son Ethan Strange?

Ethan Strange has scored at least one try in three of his last four home appearances and look to him to lay down a marker early for the Green Machine here.

Betting tip: Ethan Strange.

Over/Under Prediction

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

Betting tip: Under (47.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

Canberra has failed to cover the line in each of their last four home matches.

Betting tip: Sharks (+1.5) line.

Raiders vs Sharks Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

KL Iro

KL Iro has scored at least one try in each of his last five interstate appearances.

Savelio Tamale

In eight of Cronulla's last nine away matches, the opposition's starting right wing has scored at least one try.

Billy Burns

In each of Cronulla's last four matches at GIO Stadium Canberra, its starting left second row has scored at least one try.

William Kennedy

In four of Canberra's last five home matches, the opposition's starting fullback has scored a try.

Sam Stonestreet

Sam Stonestreet has scored two tries in each of his last three appearances against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

Raiders vs Sharks Teams

Canberra Raiders Team List

1. Kaeo Weekes

2. Savielo Tamale

3. Simi Sasagi

4. Sebastian Kris

5. Xavier Savage

6. Ethan Strange

7. Ethan Sanders

8. Morgan Smithies

9. Tom Starling

10. Joe Tapine (c)

11. Hudson Young

12. Noah Martin

13. Corey Horsburgh

14. Jayden Brailey

15. Zac Hosking

16. Ata Mariota

17. Joe Roddy

18. Daine Laurie

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. Billy Burns

12. Teig Wilton

13. Jesse Colquhoun

14. Sifa Talakai

15. Toby Rudolf

16. Oregon Kaufusi

17. Braden Uele

18. Hohepa Puru

Raiders vs Sharks Match Details

Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Kick-off: 4:05pm AEDT.

Location: GIO Stadium, Canberra.