The Cronulla Sharks will look to avoid their second loss of the season to the South Sydney Rabbitohs when they meet at Shark Park on Sunday afternoon. The Rabbitohs claimed a dominant 36-12 victory when these sides met in Round 10. 

Fast forward to the present though and the hosts are riding a four-match winning streak after beating the Sea Eagles 48-12 last weekend.

They currently sit fourth on the ladder, two points ahead of the fifth-placed Dolphins, and with a superior point differential going into Round 22. 

Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs secured a crucial 28-26 victory over the Storm last week to remain inside the top eight, two points clear of the ninth-placed Bulldogs to begin the round. 

The Bunnies have named Lachlan Hubner to start at lock, with Bronson Garlick dropping out, while John Radel and Keaon Koloamatangi have swapped positions. 

Sean Keppie is set to return via the interchange and Tallis Duncan is named among the reserves. 

For the Sharks, Thomas Hazelton is back at prop alongside Addin Fonua-Blake, who featured off the bench last time out.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this one, check out our Sharks vs Rabbitohs tips and predictions below!

Sharks vs Rabbitohs Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Two teams with genuine finals aspirations go at it on Sunday arvo when Cronulla welcome South Sydney to Shark Park. 

The Sharks were extraordinary last week, running riot over the Sea Eagles 48–12 in a performance that showed just how dangerous they are at full tilt. 

South Sydney, on the other hand, knocked off the Storm 28–26, without key names such as Murray and Mitchell in what was a genuine statement win. 

Both teams are in form, both have plenty to play for, but Cronulla are simply on another level at the moment.

Nicho Hynes is hitting the kind of form that saw him win the Dally M a few years ago and his supporting cast of Kennedy, Trindall and Brailey are arguably the most in form spine in the competition. 

While the Rabbitohs proved last week that they have the necessary grit to absorb pressure and hit back, we can’t see them stopping Cronulla here. 

Betting tip: Cronulla Sharks. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Cronulla winger Ronaldo Mulitalo is building quite the strike rate when it comes to punching down. 

In an insane tear of form, Mulitalo has scored two or more tries in six of his last seven home appearances against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

Consistent scoring multiple tries in situations such as this make him a prime first try scorer candidate in our books. 

Betting tip: Ronaldo Mulitalo.

Over/Under Prediction 

Eight of Cronulla's last nine day matches have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (50.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Cronulla has covered the line in each of its last six matches at Shark Park when playing with a rest disadvantage.

Betting tip: Sharks (-11.5) line. 

Sharks vs Rabbitohs Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Alex Johnston

Alex Johnston has scored at least one try in each of his last six appearances against opponents that were ranked in the top four.

Sione Katoa

Sione Katoa has scored at least one try in each of Cronulla's last five matches.

Campbell Graham

Campbell Graham has scored at least one try in three of his last four appearances in Sydney.

William Kennedy

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

Matthew Dufty

Matthew Dufty has scored at least one try in three of his last four appearances in the starting lineup against Cronulla.

Braydon Trindall

Braydon Trindall has scored a try in four of Cronulla's last five home matches against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

KL Iro

KL Iro has scored a try in each of his last three appearances against South Sydney.

Sharks vs Rabbitohs 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. Addin Fanua-Blake

9. Blayke Brailey (c)

10. Tom Hazelton

11. Briton Nikora

12. Teig Wilton 

13. Cam McInnes

14. Siosifa Talakai

15. Billy Burns

16. Oregon Kaufusi

17. Jesse Colquhoun

18. Mawene Hiroti

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List 

1. Matt Dufty

2. Alex Johnston

3. Latrell Siegwalt

4. Jack Wighton

5. Campbell Graham

6. Cody Walker (c)

7. Ashton Ward

8. Tevita Tatola

9. Brandon Smith

10. John Radel

11. Keaon Koloamatangi

12. Euan Aitken

13. Lachlan Hubner

14. Jye Gray

15. Jamie Humphreys

16. Liam Le Blanc

17. Sean Keppie

18. Jayden Sullivan

Sharks vs Rabbitohs Match Details 

Date: Sunday, August 2, 2026. 

Kick-off: 2:00pm AEST. 

Location: Shark Park, Sydney.