The Newcastle Knights will look to move back into the top four when they play the Cronulla at Shark Park on Friday night. 

The Sharks shot themselves into fourth place in a statement 66-0 victory over the Dolphins on Saturday, with the result becoming the biggest winning margin in the club's 59-year history. 

Meanwhile, the Knights threatened to produce a remarkable come-from-behind victory against the Rabbitohs after trailing 26-6 but fell just short in the end to lose 26-24 on Sunday. 

The stakes are clear in this match — win and end Round 20 in the top four. Briton Nikora returns for the Sharks after being rested after Origin last week, while Addin Fonua-Blake moves back into the starting side after coming off the bench. 

Bradman Best returns for the Knights, while Tyson Frizell starts at prop and Francis Manuleleua has been named in the back row. 

Cronulla won both meetings last season between these two, can they win this one as well?

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this battle for the top four, check out our Sharks vs Knights tips and predictions below!

Sharks vs Knights Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

NRL Round 20 rolls on with what we are tipping to be a high-scoring encounter between the Cronulla Sharks and the Newcastle Knights.

Sitting side-be-side in the standings, the winner of this one will move to outright fourth on the ladder. These are huge implications, so we expect both sides to be well and truly up for this one.

Newcastle have been very impressive this season, but Cronulla have been building nicely over the last few weeks. 

Their purple patch came to a head in the shape of a 66-0 demolition of the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium last week, in a result literally no one saw coming. 

That attacking masterclass has now thrust them into premiership contention and the Knights will have their work cut out for them trying to contain them here.

Betting tip: Cronulla Sharks. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

At home, in form and throwing punches in bunches, Cronulla winger Sione Katoa is our man for this market. 

Katoa is on a real tear at the moment and has scored two or more tries in each of Cronulla's last two matches.

We’ll be looking at home to make it three in row, hopefully kicking things off with a nice and early try.

Betting tip: Sione Katoa.

Over/Under Prediction 

Five of Cronulla's last six home matches have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (47.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Cronulla has covered the line in 11 of their last 12 matches at Shark Park. 

Betting tip: Sharks (-6.5) line. 

Sharks vs Knights Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Dylan Lucas

Dylan Lucas has scored at least one try in five of his last six appearances in New South Wales.

Braydon Trindall

Braydon Trindall has scored a try in each of Cronulla's last four matches as a favourite.

Greg Marzhew

Greg Marzhew has scored a try in each of Newcastle's last four matches against Cronulla.

KL Iro

KL Iro has scored at least one try in six of his last seven home appearances against opponents that were ranked in the top eight.

Dominic Young

Dominic Young has scored at least one try in five of Newcastle's last six away matches in New South Wales.

Teig Wilton

Teig Wilton has scored at least one try in four of Cronulla's last five home matches against opponents that were ranked in the top eight.

Trey Mooney

Trey Mooney has scored at least one try in each of his last three appearances against teams on a winning streak.

Addin Fonua-Blake

Addin Fonua-Blake has scored a try in each of Cronulla's last two matches against Newcastle.

Ronaldo Mulitalo

Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored two or more tries in each of his last six home appearances against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

Sharks vs Knights Teams 

Cronulla Sharks Team List 

1. Will Kennedy 

2. Sione Katoa

3. Jesse Ramien 

4. KL Iro

5. Ronaldo Mulitalo

6. Braydon Trindall 

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Thomas Hazelton 

9. Blayke Brailey (c)

10. Addin Fanua-Blake

11. Briton Nikora

12. Teig Wilton 

13. Cam McInnes

14. Hohepa Puru

15. Siosifa Talakai

16. Billy Burns

17. Oregon Kaufusi

18. Tuku Hau Tapuha

Newcastle Knights Team List 

1. Kalyn Ponga (c)

2. Dominic Young 

3. Dane Gagai

4. Bradman Best

5. Greg Marzhew

6. Fletcher Sharpe

7. Dylan Brown

8. Tyson Frizell

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Trey Mooney

11. Dylan Lucas

12. Francis Manuleleua

13. Mat Croker

14. Sandon Smith

15. Lachlan Crouch

16. Thomas Cant

17. Brodie Jones

18. Fletcher Hunt

Sharks vs Knights Match Details 

Date: Friday, July 17, 2026. 

Kick-off: 6:00pm AEST. 

Location: Shark Park, Sydney.