The Cronulla Sharks and Gold Coast Titans will kick off their 2026 campaigns at Ocean Protect Stadium on Saturday evening.

It’s been a case of close, but no cigar for Cronulla over the past two seasons, suffering back-to-back preliminary final defeats to leave the club without a grand final appearance since their famous 2016 triumph.

The lineup has remained stable and consistent with no major signings, however, the torn ACL suffered by four-time reigning club-leading try-scorer Ronaldo Mulitalo is a major blow.

Meanwhile, Gold Coast is ushering in a new era with its first outing under coach Josh Hannay. The Titans came within a whisker of taking out the pre-season challenge through eye-catching victories over the Dolphins and Storm and will be keen to significantly improve upon last season’s 16th-place finish.

Playmaker Jayden Campbell is a significant out, with Lachlan Ilias making his Titans debut at halfback. Former Dolphin Max Feagai makes his first club appearance in the centres while NRL debutant Siale Faeamani lines up on the wing.

Which loss will be felt more? High-flyer Mulitalo? Or the elusive Campbell? Let’s find out! For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this Saturday night special, check out our Sharks vs Titans tips and predictions below.

Sharks vs Titans Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

It’ll be a new dawn for the Gold Coast Titans when they hit the road to take on the Cronulla Sharks in Round 1.

They’ve got a new man in charge in Josh Hannay, and he should know this opponent better than most. He has both played for and coached the Sharks, but will this insider information be enough to help him guide the Titans to the two points?

History, form and the H2H odds all say no. Not only are Cronulla the overwhelming favourites here and playing at home, but they’ve also won 11 of its last 12 matches against the Gold Coast. Yikes.

Known for scoring and conceding points at a rate of knots, the only thing we’re certain about when it comes to the Titans this season is that it won’t be boring.

Not only have each of Gold Coast's last four matches have gone over the total match points line but have lost each of their last three matches at this venue by a margin of 13+ points.

Betting tip: Cronulla Sharks.

First Try Scorer Prediction

With Cronulla’s try scoring specialist Ronaldo Mulitalo sidelined with injury, we’ll need to go looking elsewhere for a first try scorer here.

Luckily there is no shortage of purveyors of putdown perfection on either pole of the park. With names like Samuel Stonestreet, Philip Sami, KL Iro and Jojo Fifita set to run out at Shark Park, punters are spoilt for choice.

For us, we’ll actually be tipping a Titan here. Philip Sami six four pointers in his last five. If all those numbers confused you, all you need to know is this guy knows where the try line is and hopefully, he’ll be able to find it before anyone else here.

Betting tip: Philip Sami.

Over/Under Prediction

Each of the Gold Coast's last four matches have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (48.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

Cronulla has covered the line in each of its last six matches.

Betting tip: Cronulla Sharks (-11.5) line.

Sharks vs Titans Teams

Cronulla Sharks Team List

1. Will Kennedy

2. Sione Katoa

3. Jesse Ramien

4. KL Iro

5. Sam Stonestreet

6. Braydon Trindall

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Addin Fonua-Blake

9. Blayke Brailey (c)

10. Thomas Hazelton

11. Briton Nikora

12. Billy Burns

13. Jesse Colquhoun

14. Sifa Talakai

15. Toby Rudolf

16. Oregon Kaufusi

17. Braden Uele

18. Hohepa Puru

19. Chris Vea'ila

Gold Coast Titans Team List

1. Keano Kini

2. Sialetili Faeamani

3. Jojo Fifita

4. Max Feagai

5. Phillip Sami

6. AJ Brimson

7. Lachlan Ilias

8. Moeaki Fotuaika

9. Sam Verrills

10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (c)

11. Arama Hau

12. Beau Fermor

13. Chris Randall

14. Kurtis Morrin

15. Tukimihia Simpkins

16. Klese Haas

17. Cooper Bai

18. Luke Sommerton

19. Zane Harrison

Sharks vs Titans Match Details

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Kick-off: 5:30pm AEDT.

Location: Ocean Protect Stadium, Sydney.