Sharks vs Warriors Betting Tips, Preview & Odds - Sharks to secure NRL finals spot

Cronulla Sharks take on New Zealand Warriors in the NRL on Sunday
The Sharks are holding onto 8th spot on the ladder
Cronulla have won 8 of their last 12 games & 3 of 4 at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
The Sharks are 6-1 in their last 7 games against New Zealand
Warriors have lost by 26+ points in their last 2 games against the Sharks

Will Shaun Johnson help the Sharks beat former club New Zealand Warriors? (Getty Images)

The Cronulla Sharks need one more win to cement a spot in the NRL finals. They have not lost consecutive matches since round 3, can they bounce back against the New Zealand Warriors?

Sharks Form & Team News

The Cronulla Sharks are holding onto 8th spot in the NRL ladder, four points ahead of Wests Tigers, Manly and the Warriors. The Sharks suffered a close 14-12 loss against Parramatta but bounced back with a 30-18 win against the Titans.

A disappointing 38-12 defeat against the Panthers followed, but they bounced back again by beating North Queensland Cowboys 28-12. That good work was undone with a 38-10 defeat to Newcastle last week.

The defence was terrible, missing 40 tackles and their set completion was poor at 72% (28/39) sets.

Halfback Chad Townsend is suspended for three games for an ugly shoulder charge last week. Captain Wade Graham is suspended for two matches.

Jackson Ferris is due back from a knee injury next week.

Centre Bronson Xerri has been stood down and won’t play again this season. Matt Moylan has a hamstring tear and could miss the rest of the season.

Siosifa Talakai starts in the second row and Shaun Johnson partners Connor Tracey in the halves. Braydon Trindall drops back to the reserves.

Sione Katoa returns on the wing with Bryson Goodwin back to the reserves. Andrew Fifita, Jack Williams and Teig Wilton all come onto the bench.

The Sharks team for Sunday is below:

1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Josh Dugan 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Connor Tracey 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Toby Rudolf 14. Teig Wilton 15. Jack Williams 16. Andrew Fifita 17. Royce Hunt 18. Scott Sorensen 19. Bryson Goodwin 20. Braydon Trindall 21. Billy Magoulias

New Zealand Warriors Form & Team News

New Zealand Warriors are 11th on the NRL ladder, four points behind the Sharks. They beat Wests Tigers and Manly before a close 18-12 loss to the Panthers.

New Zealand bounced back with a 20-14 win against the Bulldogs and 36-6 win against Newcastle. Their last game was a 24-18 defeat to Parramatta.

Nathaniel Roache and Patrick Herbert are due back next week. Warriors coach Todd Payten has expressed reluctance to bring Eliesa Katoa back from a broken hand before the season's end.

Leeson Ah Mau (pectoral) and Rocco Berry (back) might not play again this season.

Taane Milne, Jackson Frei, Bunty Afoa and Selestino Ravutaumada all suffered season ending injuries.

Leivaha Pulu, Agnatius Paasi, David Fusitu'a, Ken Maumalo and King Vuniyayawa are all done for the season after being released on compassionate leave.

Daniel Alvaro and George Jennings are back in the team after sitting out last week. Gerard Beale and Josh Curran drop back to the reserves.

Isaiah Papali'i starts at prop with Lachlan Burr moving to the bench.

The Warriors team for Sunday is below:

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Adam Pompey 3. Hayze Perham 4. Peta Hiku 5. George Jennings 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Chanel Harris-Tavita 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 9. Karl Lawton 10. Isaiah Papali'I 11. Jack Murchie 12. Tohu Harris 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Wayde Egan 15. Adam Blair 16. Daniel Alvaro 17. Lachlan Burr 18. Josh Curran 20. Paul Turner 21. Tom Ale 22. Gerard Beale

Sharks vs Warriors Head to Head

Cronulla Sharks have a 24-17 advantage against New Zealand Warriors in 41 games. The Sharks are 6-1 since 2015, winning the last encounter 46-10 in July.

Sharks vs Warriors Odds

Cronulla Sharks are $1.61 favourites with New Zealand Warriors available at $2.62.

Sharks vs Warriors Match Up

The Sharks have dominated the Warriors since 2015, going 6-1 with the last two won 42-16 and 46-10. The Sharks have not lost two consecutive matches since round 3.

Sharks vs Warriors Stats

Cronulla Sharks have won 8 of their last 12 games.
Cronulla Sharks have won 3 of their last 4 games at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
Cronulla Sharks have won 6 of their last 7 games against New Zealand Warriors.
Cronulla Sharks have won by 26+ points in their last 2 games against New Zealand Warriors.