Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders NRL Round 24 Tips & Prediction - Sharks to get back on track
The Cronulla Sharks are tipped to dominate the Canberra Raiders at home in NRL Round 24, bouncing back from a surprise loss last week. Despite a recent shock defeat, the Sharks' strong record against the Raiders—with five wins from their last six meetings and an electric attack led by KL Iro and Billy Burns—suggests they will cover the -8.5 spread and score over 30 points. Canberra, all but out of finals contention following two consecutive defeats, haven't won at Sharks Stadium since 2019 and face a tough challenge.
- Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders predictions for Saturday's NRL R24 game
- Sharks with dominant recent record vs Raiders, winning five of last six
- Sharks tipped to cover -8.5 line & score 31+ points, with Iro & Burns crossing for tries
- The game is scheduled for kick off at 3.00pm AEST on Saturday August 15
Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders NRL Round 24 Tips & Prediction
The Sharks are tipped to return to the winners circle at home against a Raiders side they have dominated recently and who are all but out of the finals race. Cronulla can pile on the points on a Saturday afternoon in the Shire, covering a -8.5 line and eclipsing their 30.5 team total, with KL Iro and Billy Burns crossing for tries.
Just when you thought maybe - just maybe - the Sharks were serious about challenging for this year's premiership they go in an throw in a shocker, losing to the last-placed Dragons last week. It was a far cry from the Cronulla performances that lit up the premiership for the last couple of months, where they won nine of 10 games to surge into the top four.
The Sharks remain inside the top four, but only on points differential, with the Dolphins breathing down their necks.
I'm prepared to say at this stage that last week was a mere blip on the radar for Cronulla and they are capable of an emphatic bounce back against the Raiders. I've got no doubt they'll blow it in the finals as per usual, but the Sharks specialise in beating up the weaker sides (besides last week) and can restore some confidence and momentum against Canberra, who crashed out of the finals picture with last week's defeat to Newcastle at home, with Corey Horsburgh's brain snap costing them late.
Cronulla have won five of their last six games against the Raiders and they've repeatedly tallied a big score in those victories, while electric attack and free-flowing footy has been the cornerstone of their recent winning run. I'm taking the Sharks to cover a -8.5 line and score 31+ points, with Iro and Burns continuing their try-scoring runs against the Green Machine.
Sharks vs Raiders Stats & Trends
- Sharks have won nine of their last 11 games
- Six of those nine wins have covered a -8.5 line
- Sharks have scored 31+ points in nine of their 13 wins this season
- Sharks have won five of their last six meetings vs Raiders
- Sharks have covered a -8.5 line & scored 31+ points in their last five wins vs Raiders
- Raiders haven't won at Ocean Protect Stadium since 2019
- Raiders have lost eight of their last 13 games
- Raiders have leaked 30+ points in their last three defeats, including 42 exactly in two
- Raiders have leaked 30+ points in nine of their 12 defeats this season
- KL Iro has scored 12 tries in 18 games this season & has scored in his last two appearances vs Raiders
- Billy Burns scored a try last week & has also scored in his last two appearances vs Raiders
Sharks vs Raiders Head To Head
As mentioned, the Sharks have won five of the last six encounters, including a finals win last year. Canberra are without a win in the Shire since 2019.
| Year | Winner | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Cronulla Sharks | 34–22 | GIO Stadium |
| 2025 | Cronulla Sharks | 32–12 | GIO Stadium |
| 2025 | Canberra Raiders | 24–20 | GIO Stadium |
| 2024 | Cronulla Sharks | 40–0 | GIO Stadium |
| 2024 | Cronulla Sharks | 36–22 | Sharks Stadium |
Cronulla Sharks Form Analysis
Really just a typical season for the Sharks.
A spot in the finals has never really looked in doubt, but do they have what it takes to beat the genuine elite and in-form sides when they get there?
Nicho Hynes finally stepped up over the last couple of months to justify his heavy price tag and alongside Braydon Trindall, the Sharks' attack was humming as the team won nine of 10 games before last week.
However, Cronulla rocked up flat as a pancake against the Dragons and the NRL's bottom side - who continue to put in loads of effort - made them pay. It leaves the Sharks clinging onto fourth spot on points differential.
Canberra Raiders Form Analysis
The Raiders somehow won the minor premiership last year on the back of countless 1-12 victories and the tables have turned in 2026, with the Green Machine all but out of the finals race heading into Round 24.
Canberra attempted a late surge into the finals picture with four straight wins, but ultimately they left their run too late.
Ricky Stuart's side were outclassed by the Panthers in Mudgee 42-18 before losing out to the Knights in a must-win game at home last week, falling 30-24.
The two sides went try-for-try throughout the contest, but a late brain snap from the fiery Corey Horsburgh cost Canberra as Big Red was sent to the sin bin for slapping Dane Gagai during an incident in the play the ball.
Sharks vs Raiders Team News
Stuart blew up deluxe in the press conference and that's probably the last time we ever see Horsburgh in a Canberra jersey again.
Ata Mariota moves to prop and Matty Nicholson starts in the back row, with Seb Kris and Venasiotangifetaua Patuki Case joining the bench. Savelio Tamale also comes in for Simi Sasagi, who is set to undergo shoulder surgery.
Addin Fonua-Blake is suspended for the Sharks, meaning Oregon Kaufusi comes into the starting side.
KL Iro is back from concussion and slots into centre for Jesse Ramien, who is out with a pectoral injury. Siosifa Talakai returns on the bench from a bicep injury.
| Sharks | Pos. | Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| William Kennedy | 1 | Kaeo Weekes |
| Sione Katoa | 2 | Jed Stuart |
| Mawene Hiroti | 3 | Savelio Tamale |
| KL Iro | 4 | Matthew Timoko |
| Ronaldo Mulitalo | 5 | Xavier Savage |
| Braydon Trindall | 6 | Ethan Strange |
| Nicho Hynes | 7 | Ethan Sanders |
| Oregon Kaufusi | 8 | Ata Mariota |
| Blayke Brailey | 9 | Owen Pattie |
| Jesse Colquhoun | 10 | Joseph Tapine |
| Briton Nikora | 11 | Zac Hosking |
| Teig Wilton | 12 | Matty Nicholson |
| Cameron McInnes | 13 | Morgan Smithies |
| Hohepa Puru | 14 | Tom Starling |
| Billy Burns | 15 | Joe Roddy |
| Siosifa Talakai | 16 | Josh Papalii |
| Thomas Hazelton | 17 | Daine Laurie |
| Michael Gabrael | 18 | Vena Patuki-Case |
| Braden Uele | 19 | Sebastian Kris |
Verdict
The Sharks are backed for a big win over the Raiders, with Iro & Burns grabbing four-pointers.
Sharks -8.5
Line
$1.83 - 3 Units
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