The Cronulla Sharks will be looking for an immediate response after last week’s shock result when they host the Canberra Raiders at Shark Park on Saturday afternoon. 

The Sharks were upset 24-16 by the bottom-placed Dragons on Sunday, leaving themselves at risk of falling out of the top four. 

They will return home looking to build on an impressive record of 14 wins in their last 15 matches at the venue. 

Meanwhile, the Raiders had their slim finals hopes ended by the Knights in a 30-24 loss on Sunday. Ricky Stuart has opted to rest Simi Sasagi ahead of season-ending shoulder surgery, while Corey Horsburgh has been axed after his sensational send-off last week. 

Savelio Tamale and Matty Nicholson have been promoted to start, while Sebastian Kris and Vena Patuki-Case join the bench. 

The Sharks have lost Addin Fonua-Blake to suspension, bringing Oregon Kaufusi into the starting side. KL Iro returns, replacing the injured Jesse Ramien. 

The Sharks won 34-22 when these sides met in the first month of the season. How will this one play out?

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

Sharks vs Raiders Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

The Sharks were on a five match winning streak until they ran into the *checks note* Dragons?

Rugby League is a funny old game sometimes and the seemingly unstoppable Sharks ended up being no match for the last-placed Dragons who managed to get up for just their third win of the season. 

How will his loss affect them here against the Raiders? It’s hard to say, but retreating to the comfort of home can only help here.

The Raiders also enter NRL Round 24 off the back of a loss, going down 24-30 to the Knights despite the best efforts of rampaging centre Simi Sasagi.

Yes, losing to the Dragons is never a good thing, but we’re giving the Sharks a second chance here, particularly at home. 

Betting tip: Cronulla Sharks. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Is this too savage of a first try scorer prediction? You be the judge. One Raider loves travelling to Sydney it seems.

Xavier Savage has scored at least one try in five of his last six appearances with Canberra as an underdog in Sydney and we’re backing him to be first past the posts in this one. 

Betting tip: Xavier Savage.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of Canberra's last five matches have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (52.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Canberra has failed to cover the line in seven of their last eight matches against opponents that were ranked in the top four.

Betting tip: Sharks (-10.5) line. 

Sharks vs Raiders Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Sione Katoa

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

Matt Timoko

Matt Timoko has scored a try in three of Canberra's last four away matches.

William Kennedy

William Kennedy has scored a try in four of Cronulla's last five matches against teams on a losing streak.

Savelio Tamale

Savelio Tamale has scored a try in three of his last four away appearances.

KL Iro

KL Iro has scored a try in three of his four previous appearances against Canberra.

Siosifa Talakai

Siosifa Talakai has scored a try in each of his last two appearances.

Billy Burns

Billy Burns has scored a try in each of Cronulla's last two matches against Canberra.

Ronaldo Mulitalo

Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored two or more tries in each of his last four home appearances against teams on a losing streak.

Sharks vs Raiders Teams 

Cronulla Sharks Team List 

1. Will Kennedy 

2. Sione Katoa

3. Mawene Hiroti 

4. KL Iro

5. Ronaldo Mulitalo

6. Braydon Trindall 

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Oregon Kaufusi

9. Blayke Brailey (c)

10. Jesse Colquhoun

11. Briton Nikora

12. Teig Wilton 

13. Cam McInnes

14. Hohepa Puru

15. Billy Burns

16. Siosifa Talakai

17. Tom Hazelton

18. Michael Gabrael

19. Braden Uele

Canberra Raiders Team List 

1. Kaeo Weekes

2. Jed Stuart

3. Savelio Tamale

4. Matthew Timoko

5. Xavier Savage

6. Ethan Strange

7. Ethan Sanders

8. Ata Mariota

9. Owen Pattie 

10. Joe Tapine (c)

11. Zac Hosking

12. Matty Nicholson

13. Morgan Smithies

14. Tom Starling

15. Joe Roddy

16. Josh Papalii

17. Daine Laurie

18. Ven Patuki-Case

19. Sebastian Kris

Sharks vs Raiders Match Details 

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026. 

Kick-off: 3:00pm AEST. 

Location: Shark Park, Sydney.