Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders Prediction, Tips & Odds

The Sharks are looking to regroup from a shock loss at the expense of a crestfallen Raiders outfit.   

FORM: Cronulla was on a 9-1 run before going down 24-16 to last-placed St George Illawarra last Sunday.  

After winning four in a row, the Raiders’ finals hopes have gone up in smoke with consecutive losses to the Panthers (42-18) and Knights (30-24).  

INS AND OUTS: Cronulla will be without suspended prop Addin Fonua-Blake, so Oregon Kaufusi gets a start. KL Iro returns in time to replaced injured Jesse Ramien. Siosifa is back from injury on the bench.  

Canberra will rest Simi Sasagi, with Savelio Tamale coming in at centre. Ata Mariota moves to prop with Corey Horsburgh dropped. Matty Nicholson comes into the second-row.  

KEY MATCH-UP: Livewire hookers Blayke Brailey and Owen Pattie will have a big bearing on their teams’ performances.  

HISTORY: The Sharks have won five of their last six against the Raiders, including a 34-22 victory in Canberra in Round 4 this year.  

KEY STAT: The Sharks have scored 20-plus points in seven straight games against the Raiders, who have been held to 12 or less three times during that run.  

VERDICT: Cronulla undid a fair bit of good work via last week’s baffling derby defeat, but they can immediately get back on track at home against a wounded opponent. With a Top 4 berth far from sealed, expect a switched-on Sharks showing at home.  

Canberra, hit by injuries, suffered an emotion-charged loss that ended their Top 8 dreams – and it will be hard for them to pick themselves up off the canvas. The Raiders have won only three of their last 10 away from Canberra.  

Prediction: Back the Raiders to Score Under 21.5 Total Points @ $1.94 

SGM: SHARKS WIN / UNDER 52.5 TOTAL POINTS / KL IRO ANYTIME TRYSCORER / XAVIER SAVAGE ANYTIME TRYSCORER / NICHO HYNES ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $53.44