Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights Prediction – Round 26 2025

Sitting in sixth place, the Cronulla Sharks head into Round 26 still an outside chance of snaring a top four spot, though they must capitalise in their clash against the Newcastle Knights at Sharks Park on Sunday afternoon.

Cronulla remains just one win behind the fourth-placed Warriors following their bye last week. The Sharks head into this match as heavy favourites over Newcastle, who learnt a lot more about their future during the week with coach Adam O’Brien set to depart imminently after six years in the Hunter.

Despite being hammered 46-12 at home by the Broncos, O’Brien has named the same lineup for Newcastle. The Sharks finally welcome back powerful centre KL Iro, nudging Siosifa Talakai to the bench.

Jesse Colquhoun starts at lock for Cam McInnes who is out for the season, while Braden Hamlin-Uele is brought in for Tuku Hau Tapuha.

Check out our Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights match preview for plenty of betting tips and predictions across a host of markets. From H2H to anytime try scorer and everything in between. 

Looking for all the latest news, analysis, odds, and betting tips ahead of this clash? Check out our Sharks vs Knights prediction below.

 

Sharks vs Knights Prediction and Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

The penultimate match of the penultimate regular season round sees the Sharks welcome the Knights to the Shire on Sunday afternoon.

Not much to report on here, the Knights are dreadful, and the Sharks are surging, as well as fully rested after a bye.

We like Cronulla by plenty here, with the only thing between the Knights and the wooden spoon being the equally as hapless Titans.

Betting tip: Cronulla Sharks.

 

First Tryscorer Prediction

We like the look of returning strike centre KL Iro for first try scorer here. The Sharks’ outside back has been the first try-scorer in each of his last two appearances against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four and we’re tipping him to make it three against the Knights.

Betting tip: KL Iro.

 

Over/Under Prediction

Seven of Cronulla's last eight home matches against Newcastle have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under total match points (50.5).

 

Sharks vs Knights Anytime Tryscorer Betting Tips

 

Ronaldo Mulitalo

Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored at least one try in each of his eight previous appearances at Sharks Stadium against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

 

Dominic Young

Dominic Young has scored at least one try in four of his last five appearances against Cronulla.

 

Mawene Hiroti 

In each of Newcastle's last five matches, the opposition's starting right centre has scored at least one try.

 

William Kennedy

In each of Newcastle's last four away matches, the opposition's starting fullback has scored at least one try.

 

Sharks vs Knights Teams

 

Cronulla Sharks Team List

1. William Kennedy

2. Sione Katoa

3. Mawene Hiroti

4. KL Iro

5. Ronaldo Mulitalo

6. Braydon Trindall

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Addin Fonua-Blake

9. Blayke Brailey

10. Toby Rudolf

11. Billy Burns

12. Teig Wilton

13. Jesse Colquhoun

14. Hohepa Puru

15. Sifa Talakai

16. Thomas Hazelton

17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

 

Newcastle Knights Team List

1. Dane Gagai

2. Dom Young

3. James Schiller

4. Bradman Best

5. Fletcher Hunt

6. Jake Arthur

7. Jack Cogger

8. Jacob Saifiti

9. Phoenix Crossland

10. Leo Thompson

11. Jermaine McEwen

12. Kai Pearce-Paul

13. Tyson Frizell

14. Jayden Brailey

15. Mat Croker

16. Thomas Cant

17. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana

 

Sharks vs Knights Match Details

 

Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Kick-off: 2:00pm AEST.

Location: Shark Park, Sydney.