St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks Prediction, Tips & Odds

The southern Sydney derby sees the Dragons searching for just their third win of the season, while the Sharks are hunting a sixth straight victory.  

FORM: The Dragons have lost three straight since beating the Tigers – and they showed genuine fight in going down to the Warriors (20-12) and Dolphins (28-22) either side of a 20-point loss to the Titans. 

The rampaging Sharks have won 10 of their last 11, including ruthless wins over finals hopefuls the Sea Eagles (48-12) and Rabbitohs (36-12) in the past two rounds.  

INS AND OUTS: With Toby Couchman out due to concussion, Emre Guler will start at prop for the Dragons and potential debutant Jacob Webster joins the bench.  

Mawene Hiroti comes in for Sharks centre KL Iro (concussion) and Hohepa Puru replaces Siosifa Talakai (biceps) on the bench.  

KEY MATCH-UP: Nicho Hynes is arguably the NRL’s form halfback, while Kyle Flanagan has a point to prove every time he takes the field.  

HISTORY: The Sharks have won 11 of their last 12 against the Dragons. After the Saints’ shock win at Kogarah late last season, Cronulla cruised to a 34-12 victory at home in Round 14  

KEY STAT: Nicho Hynes has scored 90 points in nine career appearances against the Dragons.  

VERDICT: The Sharks have been the NRL’s form team over the past month and are still right in the minor premiership frame as they eye off the competition’s softest remaining draw.  

The Dragons spoon-bound Dragons have overachieved on the whole since a tough period in the immediate aftermath of Shane Flanagan’s departure, but their improvement is unlikely to save them from another hefty defeat to their archrivals.   

Prediction: Back the Sharks to Cover the Line (-15.5) @ $1.90 

SGM: SHARKS BY 21-30 / OVER 50.5 TOTAL POINTS / NICHO HYNES ANYTIME TRYSCORER / MAWENE HIROTI ANYTIME TRYSCORER / SETU TU ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $77.27