Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm Prediction, Tips & Odds

The fifth-placed Sharks have rested a host of players from this relatively inconsequential clash with the 11th-placed Storm. 

FORM: The wheels have fallen off for the Sharks, losing three of their last four – including an inexplicable 38-18 defeat to the Eels last Sunday.  

The Storm have bookended a 22-14 loss to the Panthers with high-scoring wins over the Sea Eagles (42-20) and Broncos (46-20) in their past three.  

INS AND OUTS: Debutant Michael Gabrael and one-gamer Riley Jones are the Sharks’ centres with Mawene Hiroti and KL Iro out. Nicho Hynes has also been rested, so Niwhai Puru and Riley Pollard are in the halves. Hohepa Puru and Billy Burns replace rested duo Blayke Brailey and Teig Wilton.  

The Storm are unchanged.  

KEY MATCH-UP: Addin Fonua-Blake needs to find some mongrel ahead of the finals. A clash with fellow NSW rep Stefano Utoikamanu provides that opportunity.  

HISTORY: The Storm have won nine of their last 12 against the Sharks, winning 30-6 during the regular season and 22-14 in the preliminary final last season – both at AAMI Park – after the Sharks had won 31-26 at home earlier in the year.  

KEY STAT: The Sharks are 7-2 at Ocean Protect Stadium in 2026. The Storm are 4-8 away from Melbourne.  

VERDICT: The Sharks’ performance last week was borderline disgraceful when they were still in the Top 4 hunt and the only thing saving from a likely immediate finals exit is a probable week one date with the Cowboys.  

Opting to rest Hynes, Brailey and their centres, the Sharks have shown little interest in winning this game. Although they’ll finish with a losing record for the first time since 2002, the Storm have shown character all season – particularly over the past couple of months in the face of injuries.  

With the big three on deck and a couple of farewells providing motivation, expect the Storm to win easily. 

Tip: Back the Storm to Cover the Line (9.5) @ $1.90 

SGM: STORM BY 11-20 / OVER 51.5 TOTAL POINTS / NICK MEANEY ANYTIME TRYSCORER / SIONE KATOA ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $24.45