Related: /roosters-vs-sharks-semi-final-preview-2026/
The opening week of the NRL Finals Series saved its best for last, culminating in a Sunday afternoon classic between the Panthers and the Roosters that delivered everything expected from finals football. With the match hanging in the balance at 13-12, separated only by a solitary Nathan Cleary field goal, it took a 77th-minute try from Brian To’o to finally slam the door on the Roosters.
Heading into Week 2, the Roosters cross paths with perennial finals bridesmaids, the Cronulla Sharks, who have secured their fifth consecutive finals appearance. The Sharks appeared to hit their stride at precisely the right time during the regular season, stringing together five straight wins between Rounds 18 and 22 against the Broncos, Dolphins, Knights, Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs.
With Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes steering the attack and feeding their imposing outside backs, Cronulla looked lethal. However, an unexpected loss to the St George Illawarra Dragons, coupled with a dislocated shoulder suffered by Trindall, saw their momentum evaporate, dashing top-four hopes and reigniting familiar fan scepticism.
Despite that late wobble, the Sharks enter this elimination clash with close to full strength, missing only center Jesse Ramien and backup Mawene Hiroti from their ideal 17.
The Roosters, by contrast, arrive battered after their brutal encounter with Penrith. Second-rower Egan Butcher is ruled out with concussion, while halfback Sam Walker remains a long shot to return this season due to a syndesmosis injury.
Although the return of Angus Crichton softens the blow of losing Butcher, questions remain over his match fitness given he has not featured since Round 15. Compounding matters, Sydney enters on a six-day turnaround compared to Cronulla’s extra day of rest.
Key Matchups and Talking Points
Playmaking Engine Room: Can veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans and rugged partner Hugo Savala find the legs to outpace a well-rested Sharks spine? Conversely, can Trindall and Hynes overcome recent injury concerns and recapture their electric mid-season form?
Battle of the NSW No. 9s: A fascinating stylistic contrast pits Blayke Brailey’s explosive running game against Reece Robson’s relentless defensive work rate.
Forward Depth vs Peak Momentum: While the Roosters hold a slight edge through the middle, the Sharks have proven their ceiling is elite, highlighted by their stunning 66-0 demolition of the Dolphins earlier this season.
Conclusion
This matchup has danger signs written all over it for the Roosters. After such an exhausting battle last weekend, the ultimate question remains: how much fuel do they have left in the tank?
