After 11 painful weeks, the St. George Illawarra Dragons finally have a win on the board in 2026 and will look to carry that momentum into a clash with the Cronulla Sharks.

St. George Illawarra managed to topple reigning premiers Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium last Sunday, surviving a late scare which saw a 30-8 lead trimmed to 30-26. 

The result ended a 15-game losing streak dating back to Round 24 last year. Meanwhile, Cronulla enters this clash on the back of a 28-22 victory over Manly.

 Briton Nikora returns after being rested, while Blayke Brailey is sidelined with an arm injury. Jayden Berrell starts at hooker, while KL Iro and Sione Katoa are named in the reserves. 

Jacob Liddle is back from an injury layoff for the Dragons, while Jaydn Su’a is listed among the reserves. 

The Dragons won the second of two meetings between the sides last year, although Cronulla had won the 10 prior encounters.

Can the Dragons build some unlikely momentum with two wins in a row as they look to save some face in season 2026? Let’s find out! 

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

Sharks vs Dragons Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Don’t forget this is a local derby and should bring plenty of passion. However, it’s difficult to ignore the gulf between these two sides.

Cronulla generally take care of business against teams below them on the ladder and will see this as a golden opportunity to bank two competition points, even without their star Nicho Hynes.

The Dragons finally got their first win of the season. Their effort hasn’t always been the problem, but their inability to finish games and limit defensive lapses has been costly. Derby football can produce surprises, but this feels like a bridge too far.

Betting tip: Cronulla Sharks. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

When it comes to smelling blood in the water, no Shark does it better than the mercurial Ronaldo Mulitalo. 

He has scored at least one try in each of his nine previous appearances at Shark against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four and that’s where the Dragons currently sit. 

The rust is long gone from his long injury lay off and he has re-found his try scoring touch. A touch we are tipping to be on full display early in this one. 

Betting tip: Ronaldo Mulitalo.

Over/Under Prediction 

Seven of Cronulla's last eight matches have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (53.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Cronulla has covered the line in 10 of its last 11 matches at Shark Park. 

Betting tip: Sharks (-10.5) line. 

Sharks vs Dragons Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Setu Tu

Setu Tu has scored a try in four of St. George Illawarra's last five matches.

Sam Stonestreet

Sam Stonestreet has scored at least one try in each of his five previous appearances against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

Mathew Feagai

In each of St. George Illawarra's last three matches, their starting left wing has scored a try.

Niwhai Puru

In each of Cronulla's last three home matches, its starting halfback has scored a try.

Teig Wilton

Teig Wilton has scored at least one try in each of Cronulla's last three matches at Shark Park.

Sharks vs Dragons Teams 

Cronulla Sharks Team List 

1. Will Kennedy 

2. Sam Stonestreet

3. Jesse Ramien 

4. Mawene Hiroti

5. Ronaldo Mulitalo

6. Braydon Trindall 

7. Niwhai Puru

8. Addin Fonua-Blake

9. Jayden Berrell

10. Toby Rudolf

11. Briton Nikora

12. Teig Wilton 

13. Cam McInnes (c)

14. Siosifa Talakai

15. Billy Burns

16. Jesse Colquhoun

17. Thomas Hazelton

18. Hohepa Puru

St George Illawarra Dragons Team List 

1. Clint Gutherson* 

2. Setu Tu

3. Moses Suli

4. Valentine Holmes

5. Mathew Feagai

6. Daniel Atkinson

7. Kyle Flanagan

8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga

9. Damien Cook (c)

10. Toby Couchman 

11. Dylan Egan 

12. Hamish Stewart

13. Ryan Couchman

14. Jacob Liddle

15. Josh Kerr

16. Luciano Leilua

17. Blake Lawrie

18. Lyhkan King-Togia

Sharks vs Dragons Match Details 

Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026. 

Kick-off: 4:05pm AEST. 

Location: Shark Park, Sydney.