A classic “Battle of the Beaches” headlines Round 13 as the Cronulla Sharks host the Manly Sea Eagles on Friday night. With both sides pushing for a top-eight finish, and key Origin storylines set to shape team lists, this clash promises plenty of intrigue, intensity, and attacking firepower at Shark Park.

Matchday Details

Friday 29th May 2026 – 8.00pm (AEST) – Ocean Protect Stadium, Sydney
📺 Broadcast: Nine /Nine Now/ Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Todd Smith | Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Sharks:  1. William Kennedy, 2. Samuel Stonestreet, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. KL Iro, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Braydon Trindall, 7. Niwhai Puru, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Blayke Brailey (c), 10. Toby Rudolf, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Cameron McInnes, 14. Jesse Colquhoun; 15. Siosifa Talakai, 16. Billy Burns, 17. Thomas Hazelton, 18. Hohepa Puru, 19. Oregon Kaufusi, 20. Braden Uele, 21. Jayden Berrell, 22. Riley Jones, 23. Mawene Hiroti

Sea Eagles: Clayton Faulalo, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Josh Feledy, 4. Reuben Garrick, 5. Lehi Hopoate, 6. Luke Brooks, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Taniela Paseka, 9. Jake Simpkin, 10. Kobe Hetherington, 11. Jackson Shereb, 12. Ben Trbojevic, 13. Jake Trbojevic (c), 14. Brandon Wakeham, 15. Nathan Brown, 16. Ethan Bullemor, 17. Simione Laiafi, 18. Blake Wilson, 19. Joey Walsh, 20. Hugo Hart, 21. Haumole Olakau’atu, 22. Tolutau Koula

Match Preview

The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks will face off for the Steve Rogers Memorial Trophy in Round 13 at Ocean Protect Stadium on Friday night, in what could be a blockbuster contest in the battle to remain in the top eight.

Coming off a bye in Round 12, the eighth-placed Sharks will be full of confidence after defeating the Canterbury Bulldogs 38–16 at Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium.

Meanwhile, the fourth-placed Sea Eagles have won three in a row, but were pushed hard in a narrow 12–10 win over the 16th-placed Gold Coast Titans in Round 12 at 4 Pines Park.

Coach Kieran Foran admitted this wasn’t his team’s best performance against the Titans, given the wet conditions and key personnel missing, noting their defensive shortcomings.

If they are to overcome the Sharks, the Sea Eagles will need to improve defensively and rediscover the form they showed in their 46–18 win over the Wests Tigers in Round 11 at Magic Round.

The Sharks have won six of their past seven games against the Sea Eagles and will look to extend that record at home with strong crowd support.

When these two sides last met at 4 Pines Park in Round 10 of 2025, the Sharks claimed a 30–14 win. The Sea Eagles will now seek redemption, although their record in the Shire is poor, managing just three wins from their past 14 matches at the venue.

This season, the Sharks sit with five wins, five losses, and two byes, while the Sea Eagles have seven wins, four losses, and a bye. Manly come in on a three-game winning streak, while Cronulla’s last victory came in Round 11.

The Sharks have been among the stronger teams in both attack and defence this season, which could prove decisive if the Sea Eagles fail to tighten up defensively after last weekend.

Cronulla will be without star halfback Nicho Hynes (calf), with Niwhai Puru to debut in the No. 7 jersey alongside Braydon Trindall. Blayke Brailey returns at hooker following the Origin opener, pushing Hohepa Puru to the bench.

Coach Craig Fitzgibbon has named all three of his Origin players in the starting side, with Brailey, Addin Fonua-Blake, and Briton Nikora all set to back up. Cameron McInnes starts at lock, while Ronaldo Mulitalo and Jesse Ramien lead the outside backs.

For Manly, Origin representatives Haumole Olakau’atu and Tolutau Koula are listed among the reserves and will be monitored post-Origin. However, Koula is expected to miss this clash after failing a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) following the Kalyn Ponga send-off incident in State of Origin Game 1. Lehi Hopoate returns from suspension, while Ben Trbojevic has been cleared to play.

This matchup will likely be decided through the spine, where both sides possess plenty of attacking class.

For the Sharks, fullback William Kennedy combines with halves Braydon Trindall and Niwhai Puru to steer the team around. While Hynes’ absence is significant, it also presents an opportunity for Puru to stamp his mark on the contest.

Mulitalo was outstanding in his return against the Bulldogs, scoring twice, and remains a constant threat out wide. He has scored seven tries in seven games against the Sea Eagles.

For the Sea Eagles, the backline led by young fullback Clayton Faulalo, alongside Luke Brooks and Jamal Fogarty, will be key. Faulalo’s versatility and attacking instincts were on display against the Titans and could trouble Cronulla.

Hohepa Puru impressed on debut in Round 11 and provides impact off the bench, linking up with his twin brother.

In the middle, the battle between Addin Fonua-Blake and Taniela Paseka looms as a crucial contest, with both forwards capable of dominating momentum.

Cameron McInnes will also celebrate his 100th game for the Sharks and will be eager to make it memorable in front of the home crowd.

This historic rivalry, often dubbed the “Battle of the Beaches,” dates back decades, including the infamous 1973 grand final. Expect another fierce encounter as both sides push for finals positioning.

Whatever the result, this shapes as a high-quality clash and a must-watch contest.

Prediction

RLZ Tip: Sharks by 14
Full Round X tips → /nrl-round-13-predictions-2026/
Bold call: Ronaldo Mulitalo first try scorer

Subscribe to our weekly tips

We'll send you our weekly predictions once they're posted to Rugby League Zone!

No spam, you can cancel at any time.

Previous articleState of Origin Game 1 Review: Blues Rewrite Origin History in Dramatic 22–20 Win
Next articleKnights vs Eels Preview (Round 13, 2026): Team News, Team Lists & Prediction
Debra Sherwood

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.