Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks Prediction – Round 12 2025

A heavyweight clash headlines Saturday night footy, with the Sydney Roosters hosting the Cronulla Sharks in a matchup that promises plenty.

The Roosters come into this one a little lighter than usual, with a few names off to Origin (probably somewhere in Maroons and Blues tracksuits eating pasta and getting massages). With a self-inflicted loss against the Bulldogs, the Roosters hope to bounce back and avoid slipping further down the ladder.

The Sharks sit contently in fifth and conveniently don’t have a player picked for Origin. Whether that’s a compliment or a backhanded insult is up for debate, but either way, it means Craig Fitzgibbon has his squad focused and ready for a weakened opponent.

Trent Robinson’s side is being tested of its depth, resilience, and whether they’ll have anyone turn up in the middle (like seriously, they don’t have any front rowers).

It’s time to take a closer look at the main Saturday night clash with some betting tips for H2H, first try scorer, and over/under markets. This is our Roosters vs Sharks prediction.

 

Roosters vs Sharks Teams

 

Sydney Roosters Predicted Team List

1. James Tedesco

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Billy Smith

4. Mark Nawaqanitawase

5. Dominic Young

6. Sandon Smith

7. Hugo Savala

8. Makahesi Makatoa

9. Zach Dockar-Clay

10. Egan Butcher

11. Blake Steep

12. Siua Wong

13. Victor Radley

14. Benaiah Ioelu

15. Salesi Foketi

16. Xavier Va’a

17. Ethan Roberts

 

Cronulla Sharks Predicted Team List

1. Will Kennedy

2. Eli Clark

3. Siosifa Talakai

4. KL Iro

5. Ronaldo Mulitalo

6. Braydon Trindall

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Addin Fonua-Blake

9. Blayke Brailey 

10. Oregon Kaufusi

11. Briton Nikora

12. Teig Wilton

13. Cameron McInnes

14. Daniel Atkinson

15. Jesse Colquhoun

16. Tom Hazelton

17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Roosters vs Sharks Prediction and Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Roosters failed to keep their winning form and blew a 14-0 lead to the Bulldogs. Costly errors allowed a comeback, even with a mind-blowing try that has been replayed non-stop. 

Cronulla had just enough spark to upset the Melbourne Storm at Shark Park. With only one loss in their last five games, they are red-hot at the moment. 

Key forwards Lindsay Collins, Spencer Leniu, and Angus Crichton are all in Origin camp, as well as rookie centre Robert Toia.

The Sharks have to replace Samuel Stonestreet due to injury, with the rest of the squad remaining intact.

In red-hot form, it will be very difficult to upset the Sharks after their significant win last round.

Betting tip: Cronulla Sharks. 

 

First Try Scorer Prediction

Don’t be surprised if Addin Fonua-Blake bullies his way over for meat pie. 

With the Roosters missing some key forwards due to Origin and the middle looking a little soft, AFB might just decide to run it straight with malicious intent. 

If the Sharks get within 10 metres, all bets are off - Fonua-Blake could crash over like a vending machine with legs, dragging three defenders along for the ride. 

He’s worth considering as a smokey first-try scorer - especially if Cronulla starts rolling through the middle.

Betting tip: Addin Fonua-Blake.

 

Over/Under Prediction

It’s hard to see this one turning into a defensive grind - not during Origin season and not with significant personnel changes. The Roosters are missing key leaders, and Cronulla are more than capable of turning defensive lapses into scoreboard fireworks.

Even with the Sharks setting the tone early with their forward pack, don’t count out the Roosters attack which has the X-factor of James Tedesco and Mark Nawaqanitawase, who could turn half chances into tries. 

Betting tip: Over total match points.

Roosters vs Sharks Match Details

 

Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Kick-off: 7:35pm AEST.

Location: Industree Group Stadium, Gosford.