Matchday Details
Saturday March 7– 5:30pm (AEST) – Ocean Protect Stadium
📺 Broadcast: Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski | Bunker: Grant Atkins
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Thomas Hazelton 11. Briton Nikora 12. Billy Burns 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Chris Veaila 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Michael Gabrael 22. Niwhai Puru
Gold Coast Titans
1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Max Feagai 5. Phillip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Tukimihia Simpkins 16. Klese Haas 17. Cooper Bai 18. Luke Sommerton 19. Zane Harrison 20. Jaylan De Groot 21. Jenson Taumoepeau 22. Josh Patston
Match Preview
There is everything to play for as the Sharks open their 2026 season in front of their home faithful, going toe-to-toe with the Titans on Saturday afternoon. Both sides will want to start off their campaign with a win and put on a strong showing to signal their intent to the rest of the competition.
Cronulla comes in to round 1 off the back of an up-and-down Pre-season Challenge, conceding 40 points to the Eels before bouncing back to put 46 on the Raiders a week later. On the other side of the field, the Titans went undefeated in the trial games, scoring 66 points while only conceding 24 across the two games.
For the Sharks, Teig Wilton and Cam McInnes will miss the season opener due to injury, leaving Briton Nikora and Jesse Colquhoun to start in their place.
Jayden Campbell will miss the opening fixture of the season, opening the door for new recruit Lachlan Illias to make his debut for the club at halfback, partnering AJ Brimson in the halves.
While both sides have attacking threats across the park, it is the battle in the front row between Kiwi international Addin Fonua-Blake and Kangaroo Tino Fa’asuamaleaui that will be worth the price of admission alone. The two big boppers will be integral to their respective side’s momentum come Saturday, and will want to build the platform for their halves to really go to work and get the scoreboard ticking over in their favour.
If either side’s forward pack manages to get the upper hand, it will unlock the running threat posed by Nicho Hynes and AJ Brimson. Both players can turn a game on its head with one dummy and run, and will be looking for an opportunity to stamp their mark and leave defenders grasping at thin air. Expect Hynes and Brimson to tuck the ball under their arm and test the opposition’s edge defence early and often.
The Sharks head into this clash with an imposing win record against the Titans, claiming 12 of the 17 encounters between the two at Cronulla and 19 of the total 29 matches. The record includes a 30+ point win over the away side in their only encounter in 2025, where they walked away 54-22 victors.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Titans by 6 points.
Bold call: Tom Hazelton to open his try scoring account in the opening game of the season.
Related
- NRL Round 1 (Week 2) 2026 Predictions & Tips
- NRL Round 1 Team Lists – 2026 Season
- NRL 2026 Results Tracker
- 2026 NRL Match Review Results Tracker: Charges, Suspensions & Fines
