The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks will be looking to cement their position in the top four when they take on the Canberra Raiders this Saturday. Although the Raiders are officially out of finals contention, they will be looking to finish off the season strong in hopes of giving Josh Papalii a memorable season’s end.
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Matchday Details
Saturday 15th of August 2026 –3 PM – Ocean Protect Stadium, Sydney
📺 Broadcast: Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Gerard Sutton | Senior Review Official: Adam Gee
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Mawene Hiroti, 4. KL Iro, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Braydon Trindall, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Oregon Kaufusi, 9. Blayke Brailey (c), 10. Jesse Colquhoun, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Cameron McInnes, 14. Hohepa Puru, 15. Billy Burns, 16. Siosifa Talakai, 17. Thomas Hazelton, 18. Michael Gabrael, 19. Braden Uele, 20. Niwhai Puru, 21. Samuel Stonestreet, 22. Tuku Hau Tapuha
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes, 2. Jed Stuart, 3. Savelio Tamale, 4. Matthew Timoko, 5. Xavier Savage, 6. Ethan Strange, 7. Ethan Sanders, 8. Ata Mariota, 9. Owen Pattie, 10. Joseph Tapine (c), 11. Zac Hosking, 12. Matty Nicholson, 13. Morgan Smithies, 14. Tom Starling, 15. Joe Roddy, 16. Josh Papalii, 17. Daine Laurie, 18. Vena Patuki-Case, 19. Sebastian Kris, 20. Coby Black, 21. Sione Finau, 22. Jordan Uta
Match Preview
A shock loss in the Monty Porter Memorial Cup clash last Sunday means the Sharks are just clinging to the top-four spot and will be looking for a big win over a struggling Raiders outfit.
Although the Canberra Raiders’ season is officially over after a disappointing 30-24 loss, they will no doubt be looking to string some form together towards the back end of the season and aim to give their rivals, Cronulla, a headache as they try to deny them a top-four finish.
Just when Sharks fans thought their team was looking like a huge premiership threat in this competition, the Dragons came away with one of the upsets of the season in a 24-16 win and handed the Sharks their first defeat since Round 16 which leaves the door wide open for the exciting top-four finish with the Dolphins circling that spot.
The Sharks will be without some of their superstar players, with a second-half pectoral injury to Jesse Ramien and the sin bin and suspension of Addin Fonua-Blake means that Jesse Colquhoun moves to the front row with KL Iro a straight switch for Ramien. Michael Gabrael has been named on the six-man bench looking for his NRL debut.
The Canberra Raiders have had some on-field drama with coach Ricky Stuart leaving out Maroons forward Corey Horsburgh with Ata Mariota starting in the front row. Simi Sasagi has been rested, with Savelio Tamale joining the side for his first appearance since Round 15. Matty Nicholson also joins the side in the second row.
This game will prove to be the battle of the two number ones, with both Will Kennedy and Kaeo Weekes in sublime form and will no doubt play a significant role in their teams’ chances.
The speed, tackle-breaking, and individual ability of Kaeo Weekes is next level, and on his day is one of the best fullbacks within the competition. Although having more of a quiet middle season, the ability that Weekes showcased for Raiders fans last Sunday was flashbacks to the Weekes of 2025, and he will no doubt try to replicate that form throughout the back end of this season.
The Cronulla Sharks fullback Will Kennedy has shown on multiple stages how important he is to this side. His beautiful ball-work ability and ability to break the line on multiple occasions are the reasons why the Sharks are such a heavyweight within this competition, and when Kennedy plays well, the entire Sharks team plays well. The Sharks’ number one is no doubt preparing for this battle and will aim to carry the Sharks on his back to a home semi-final.
Since their first meeting in 1982, the Cronulla Sharks have the upper hand with 44 wins to 42, but in recent history, the Raiders have seemed to be the Achilles’ heel of the Cronulla Sharks.
In their previous matchup in Round 4 earlier this year, the Sharks took home a comfortable 34-22 victory at GIO Stadium, Canberra.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Sharks by 16
Full Round 24 tips → /nrl-round-24-predictions-2026/
Bold call: First Try scorer will be Savelio Tamale
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Related
- Full Round 24 coverage → /nrl/2026-season/round-24/
- NRL Round 24 Team Lists → /nrl-round-24-team-lists-2026/
- NRL Injury List → /nrl/injuries/
- NRL Round 23 Review → /nrl-round-23-review-2026/
