In a strange fixture quirk, the Cronulla Sharks and Melbourne Storm will meet for the first time in 2026 during the final round of the season, clashing at Ocean Protect Stadium on Saturday night. 

The Storm defeated the Sharks 22-14 in a preliminary final when these sides last faced off. 

More recently, the Storm smashed the Broncos 46-20 in a dead rubber at Suncorp Stadium last Thursday. 

Meanwhile, Cronulla was upset 38-18 by the Eels last Sunday to officially miss out on a top four spot. 

Now, with nothing to fight for this week except pride, Nicho Hynes, Blayke Brailey, KL Iro, Mawene Hiroti and Teig Wilson have all been given the week off, while Thomas Hazelton is suspended. 

Debutant Michael Gabrael and Riley Jones are the new centres, with Niwhai Puru moving to halfback and Riley Pollard debuting at five-eighth. 

Hohepa Puru starts at hooker and Billy Burns in the second row. Marion Seve drops out in the Storm’s only change.

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

Sharks vs Storm Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

This is a big test for Cronulla, who are coming unravelled at the wrong time. They lost 38-18 to the Eels last start and have serious questions to answer heading into this clash. 

To make matters worse, Tom Hazelton faces a one-game ban for a hip drop, thinning out their forward stocks.

The saving grace for the Sharks is their fortress. Cronulla has won 14 of their last 16 matches at Ocean Protect Stadium which is an elite home record that gives them a real chance against anyone.

Melbourne cut the shape of a fallen giant and will miss finals for the first time what feels like forever after a season to forget.

If Cronulla's home form can offset their recent stumble and missing personnel, they should be able to overcome an emotionally and physically depleted Storm side. 

Betting tip: Cronulla Sharks. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Not only has Tyran Wishart scored at least one try in each of Melbourne's last three matches, but there are a couple of other factors working in his favour when it comes to potentially being the first try scorer in this one. 

First of all, Melbourne has scored the first try in each of their last six matches against Cronulla and he’s lining up in the much more try scoring friendly position of centre here than his usual bench utility role. 

Betting tip: Tyran Wishart.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of Cronulla's last four home matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under 50.5 total match points. 

Line Prediction

Cronulla has covered the line in seven of their last eight matches against Melbourne in Sydney.

Betting tip: Sharks (+8.5) line. 

Sharks vs Storm Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Sione Katoa

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

William Kennedy

William Kennedy has scored a try in three of Cronulla's last four home matches.

Sharks vs Storm Teams 

Cronulla Sharks Team List 

1. Will Kennedy 

2. Sione Katoa

3. Riley Jones

4. Michael Gabrael

5. Ronaldo Mulitalo

6. Riley Pollard

7. Niwhai Puru

8. Addin Fanua-Blake

9. Hohepa Puru

10. Jesse Colquhoun

11. Briton Nikora

12. Billy Burns

13. Cam McInnes (c)

14. Siosifa Talakai

15. Toby Rudolf

16. Oregon Kaufusi

17. Braden Uele

18. Jayden Berrell

19. Tuku Hau Tapuha

Melbourne Storm Team List 

1. Sua Fa’alogo

2. Suilagi Tuimalatu-Brown

3. Tyran Wishart

4. Nick Meaney

5. Moses Leo

6. Cameron Munster

7. Jahrome Hughes 

8. Stefano Utoikamanu 

9. Harry Grant (c)

10. Josh King

11. Shawn Blore

12. Oryn Keeley

13. Trent Loiero

14. Trent Toelau

15. Cooper Clarke

16. Jack Hetherington

17. Alec MacDonald

18. Angus Hinchey

19. Hugo Peel

Sharks vs Storm Match Details 

Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026. 

Kick-off: 7:30pm AEST. 

Location: Ocean Protect Stadium, Sydney.