These two sides have a history intertwined, from the 2002 preliminary final where the Warriors defeated the Sharks to play in the grand final, to James Maloney’s golden point field goal for the Sharks in 2016 after leaving the Warriors when the 2015 season finished, to Shaun Johnson’s decision to play for the Sharks in 2018 and then return to the Warriors three years later, and his last game in the NRL two years ago where he played the Sharks in Cronulla. 

Saturday night shapes up to be a fascinating contest, in a game that carries finals implications for both sides.

The Sharks head into this one on the back of impressive form, having inflicted a 36-22 defeat on the Warriors at Shark Park back in April, giving this rematch an extra edge.

With both sides navigating key absences, whoever manages their personnel bests across 80 minutes is likely to take the points home.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of the latest installment of this recent rivalry, check out our Warriors vs Sharks tips and predictions below.

Warriors vs Sharks Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

The Warriors lose co-captain James Fisher-Harris to a calf injury, a significant blow to their pack, while hooker Makaia Tafua and Jason Salalilo have both been named for potential NRL debuts.

Despite the losses, they retain a solid spine with Wayde Egan and reshape the forward pack led by Jackson Ford.

The Sharks travel without Addin Fonua-Blake, who is on Origin duty for New South Wales, and Briton Nikora for Queensland duty.

The biggest storyline heading into this match is whether a Sharks reshuffled forward pack can still generate the momentum that has fuelled their winning streak, or whether the Warriors can exploit those Achilles heels at home and avenge the heavy April defeat.

Betting tip: New Zealand Warriors.

First Try Scorer Prediction 

The Warriors have scored the first try of the game against the Sharks in four of their last five meetings.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has a knack of finding the try line first against Cronulla, scoring first in their last two meetings, including the game back in April.

Expect the winger with a good reputation for scoring tries to begin the contest.

Betting tip: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of the Warriors’ last four matches in New Zealand has gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (49.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

New Zealand has failed to cover the line in each of its last three matches in New Zealand.

Betting tip: Sharks (+9.5) line. 

Warriors vs Sharks Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored at least one try in each of New Zealand's last seven matches against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

Alofiana Khan-Pereira

Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored at least one try in each of New Zealand's last four night matches.

Jacob Laban

Jacob Laban has scored a try in each of New Zealand's last two matches against opponents that were ranked in the top eight.

KL Iro

KL Iro has scored at least one try in each of his last five appearances against opponents that were ranked higher on the ladder.

Braydon Trindall

Braydon Trindall has scored a try in each of Cronulla's last three matches.

Warriors vs Sharks Teams 

New Zealand Warriors Team List 

1. Taine Tuaupiki

2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

3. Ali Leiataua

4. Adam Pompey

5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira

6. Chanel Harris-Tavita

7. Te Maire Martin

8. Tanner Stowers-Smith

9. Wayde Egan

10. Jackson Ford

11. Marata Niukore

12. Jacob Laban

13. Erin Clark

14. Makaia Tafua

15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

16. Demitric Vaimauga

17. Kayliss Fatialofa

18. Jason Salalilo

Cronulla Sharks Team List 

1. William Kennedy

2. Samuel Stonestreet

3. Jesse Ramien

4. KL Iro

5. Ronaldo Mulitalo

6. Braydon Trindall

7. Niwhai Puru

8. Jesse Colquhoun

9. Jayden Berrell

10. Toby Rudolf

11. Billy Burns

12. Teig Wilton

13. Cameron McInnes

14. Mawene Hiroti

15. Oregon Kaufusi

16. Siosifa Talakai

17. Thomas Hazelton

18. Hohepa Puru

Warriors vs Sharks Match Details 

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026. 

Kick-off: 5:30pm AEST. 

Location: Go Media Stadium, New Zealand.