Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders Tips & Preview - Big guns turn out for Sharks in trial clash

James Smith

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Last updated: Fri 20 Feb 2026 01:33

James Smith 20 Feb 2026

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Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders NRL trial game takes place on Saturday February 21
The game will kick off at 3.00pm AEDT at Polytec Stadium
Sharks have named a strong side, including Nicho Hynes & Addin Fonua-Blake

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Sharks and Raiders clash on Saturday (Photo by Getty Images)

Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders Preview

This Saturday’s pre-season trial between the Cronulla Sharks and the Canberra Raiders at Polytec Stadium, Gosford is the final hit-out before Round 1 of the 2026 NRL season.

Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders Preview
Cronulla Sharks
Canberra Raiders
Sharks vs Raiders Teams

Both sides will use the clash to fine-tune combinations, assess depth and give both star and fringe players opportunities one last chance to get into the swing of things before the big dance.

Cronulla Sharks

Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon has selected a near full-strength unit for this trial, signalling the Sharks’ intent to build match fitness with a competitive line-up.

Key players named include halfback Nicho Hynes, five-eighth Braydon Trindall, centre Jesse Ramien and back-rower Briton Nikora, all of whom are expected to lead from the front in their first 2026 outing.

Fitzgibbon has emphasised the importance of cohesion early in the season and hinted that this trial will be a serious test of combinations rather than just a run in the legs.

Expect the Sharks to work through attacking structures while also tightening defensive patterns ahead of the premiership opener.

Canberra Raiders

Canberra will use this trial to evaluate both established talent and emerging contributors.

The Raiders’ side features promising figures in key positions, including Daine Laurie, who impressed in Canberra’s recent trial win, showing versatility and creativity in attack that could see him push for a bigger role in 2026.

Coach Ricky Stuart is likely to balance giving game time to regulars with the chance to observe depth players under real match conditions, especially in the forwards and spine roles where consistency will be crucial.

Sharks vs Raiders Teams

Pos	Cronulla Sharks	Canberra Raiders
1 Fullback	William Kennedy	Daine Laurie
2 Winger	Sione Katoa	Savelio Tamale
3 Centre	Jesse Ramien	Simi Sasagi
4 Centre	KL Iro	Sebastian Kris
5 Winger	Samuel Stonestreet	Xavier Savage
6 Five-Eighth	Braydon Trindall	Ethan Alaia
7 Halfback	Nicholas Hynes	Jalen Afamasaga
8 Prop	Addin Fonua-Blake	Ata Mariota
9 Hooker	Blayke Brailey (c)	Jayden Brailey
10 Prop	Thomas Hazelton	Zac Hosking (c)
11 2nd Row	Briton Nikora	Matty Nicholson
12 2nd Row	Billy Burns	Noah Martin
13 Lock	Jesse Colquhoun	Morgan Smithies
14 Interchange	Siosifa Talakai	Owen Pattie
15 Interchange	Toby Rudolf	Jed Stuart
16 Interchange	Oregon Kaufusi	Sione Finau
17 Interchange	Braden Uele	Jordan Uta