Matchday Details
Saturday, September 6 – 7:35pm (AEST) – Accor Stadium
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Ashley Klein | Bunker: Adam Gee
Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey, 2. Enari Tuala, 3. Bronson Xerri, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Lachlan Galvin, 8. Max King, 9. Bailey Hayward, 10. Samuel Hughes, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Jacob Preston, 13. Jaeman Salmon, 14. Kurt Mann, 15. Sitili Tupouniua, 16. Josh Curran, 17. Reed Mahoney, 19. Jake Turpin, 20. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 21. Kurtis Morrin, 22. Jethro Rinakama, 23. Toby Sexton
Sharks
1. William Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. KL Iro, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Braydon Trindall, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Toby Rudolf, 11. Billy Burns, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Jesse Colquhoun, 14. Hohepa Puru, 15. Siosifa Talakai, 16. Thomas Hazelton, 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 18. Daniel Atkinson, 19. Mawene Hiroti, 20. Jayden Berrell, 21. Oregon Kaufusi, 22. Tuku Hau Tapuha
Match Preview
As the regular season reaches its climax, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs prepare to host the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Accor Stadium on Saturday, 6 September 2025. The Bulldogs are locked into third place on the ladder, irrespective of this weekend’s outcome. Cronulla will be hoping they can nail down fourth position (Melbourne beating Brisbane on Thursday night will help them).
Coming off a commanding yet underwhelming 28–4 win over the baby Penrith side in round 26, the Bulldogs have displayed robust form in recent weeks but their attack has been greatly criticised.
That victory secured their top-four finish and reinforced their finals credentials, again showing why they’re the best defensive side in the competition. Stephen Crichton, captain and playmaking centre, continues to lead both in cohesion and point-scoring, often jumping in to the fullback position for crucial plays.
Coach Cameron Ciraldo confirmed that, barring any further injury, the full-strength squad will be available to maintain finals momentum minus Harry Hayes, who is out for another one to two weeks, and star winger Jacob Kiraz (possibly back week two of the finals).
The Sharks, fresh from a convincing 40–16 triumph over the Knights in round 26, arrive with form on their side and happily flying under the radar.
With finals locked in, a win here could potentially bolster their seeding; a loss, however, might force a tougher path forward. Their attacking structure, built around precision in the halves and power in the middle, will test the Bulldogs’ defensive intensity. Addin Fonua-Blake is hitting prime form and Blayke Brailey is in career-best form.
This meeting isn’t just about form – it’s also a clash of styles. The Bulldogs will lean on their defensive expertise while Crichton will continue to take more control.
On the Sharks’ side, expect halfback Nicho Hynes to explore with more creativity, while forward aggression will be a focal point as they aim to win the middle battle. This match becomes a rare playoff-style “dress rehearsal”.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Bulldogs by 6.
See our full Round 27 Predictions (live Wednesday 12pm) here: 2025 NRL Tipping: Round 27 Writer Predictions
Have your say: Who wins? Drop your tip in the comments or vote in our poll.
