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South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Cronulla Sharks NRL Tips - Sharks backed for 13+ win over embattled Bunnies

andrew-hendrie
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Last updated: Thu 24 Jul 2025 10:47

In NRL Round 21, the Cronulla Sharks are expected to continue their winning streak against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. After strong recent performances, Nicho Hynes and Blayke Brailey lead the Sharks, who are securely in the top eight. Conversely, the Rabbitohs, plagued by injuries, have suffered a seven-game losing streak. Analysts predict a comfortable Sharks victory by a margin of over 13 points. Jesse Ramien is tipped as a promising tryscorer upon his return. Both teams have updated their lineup due to injuries.

Andrew Hendrie 24 Jul 2025
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  • South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Cronulla Sharks expert predictions for Saturday's NRL Round 21 game
  • Kick off is at 7.35pm AEST at Polytec Stadium in Gosford
  • Souths staring down the barrel of eighth straight loss
  • Sharks backed for a 13+ win with Under 48.5 total points
  • Preview, expert analysis, stats, team news & best bets
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Cronulla Sharks NRL Tips


South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Cronulla Sharks, NRL Round 21 - Expert Prediction


The Sharks are set to secure their top eight status for another week as they extend their winning streak over the Rabbitohs to five straight wins to conclude Super Saturday action in Gosford.


  • South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Cronulla Sharks, NRL Round 21 - Expert Prediction
  • Head To Head
  • South Sydney Rabbitohs Form Analysis
  • South Sydney Rabbitohs Team News
  • South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List
  • Cronulla Sharks Form Analysis
  • Cronulla Sharks Team News
  • Cronulla Sharks Team List
Rabbitohs vs Sharks Rd21 NRL Cheat Sheet
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Cronulla have raised their level over the last fortnight, registering crucial wins over the Dolphins and Roosters to reclaim their spot inside the top eight. Nicho Hynes has stepped it up and producing some of his best footy of the season, while Blayke Brailey is one of the form players in the competition. By contrast, the Rabbitohs bring a seven-game losing streak into this clash, with Wayne Bennett staring down the barrel of his longest ever losing run if the Bunnies taste defeat again on the Central Coast.

Souths have experienced a nightmare season with injuries, with Keaon Koloamatangi the latest to join the casualty ward with a year-ending ankle injury. The Rabbitohs' attack has fallen off a cliff lately, with the team managing just four tries in their last two games. I'm tipping the Sharks to prevail comfortably by a 13+ margin, while the poor Souths' attack should see this clash go Under 48.5 total points. Jesse Ramien looks decent value for a meat pie as he returns from a hamstring injury.

  • Sharks have won their last two games
  • Rabbitohs have lost their last seven games
  • Sharks have won the last four meetings, including the last two by 13+ margins
  • Rabbitohs' last three defeats have been by 18+ points
  • Four of the last five meetings have seen Under 48.5 points
  • Rabbitohs' last two games have seen Under 48.5 points
  • Rabbitohs have conceded at least one try to the opposition right centre in their last three games (Ramien)

Head To Head


The Sharks have won the last four games between the sides, including a one-sided 27-12 victory back in Round 3, where they raced out to a 20-0 lead at half-time.

South Sydney Rabbitohs Form Analysis


Souths started the season with a bang, winning four of their opening five games - and it appeared as if Wayne Bennett was going to work his master coach magic once again at Redfern.

However, an extensive injury toll has contributed to the Rabbitohs' season quickly turning into a nightmare, with the team winning just two games since Round 5 and coming into this showdown on a seven-match losing streak.

The Bunnies have leaked a whopping 110 points in their last three defeats to the Dolphins, Sea Eagles and Panthers, managing just four tries themselves in their last two outings.

You can safely put a line through the Rabbitohs for 2025 and they will do well to make games competitive until the end of the campaign.

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team News


Jye Gray returns from a thumb injury at fullback, meaning Alex Johnston reverts to the wing, Isaiah Tass moves to centre and Euan Aitken goes to the back row.

Lewis Dodd has received a call-up for his first start at halfback this season, with Jamie Humphreys sidelined with concussion.

Keaon Koloamatangi (ankle) and Peter Mamouzelos (concussion) are out, so Sean Keppie pushes into the starting side and debutants Ashton Ward and Ryan Gray join the bench.

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List


1. Jye Gray
2. Alex Johnston
3. Isaiah Tass
4. Tallis Duncan
5. Tyrone Munro
6. Jack Wighton
7. Lewis Dodd
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Siliva Havili
10. Sean Keppie
11. Euan Aitken
12. Jai Arrow
13. Lachlan Hubner

Interchange
14. Liam Le Blanc
15. Jacob Host
16. Ryan Gray
17. Ashton Ward

Reserves
18. Thomas Fletcher
19. Shaquai Mitchell
20. Salesi Ataata
21. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
22. Ammaron Gudgeon

Cronulla Sharks Form Analysis


It hasn't been a great season for the Sharks, but they have managed to register some big wins in the context of their year over the last fortnight, forcing their way back into the top eight as a result.

Competing directly with the likes of the Dolphins and Roosters for a finals position, the Sharks defeated both sides by two-try margins to propel themselves into eighth spot on the ladder.

However, consistency has been an issue for Cronulla all season and they've still lost half of their last six games. If they are serious about being a genuine force in the finals this year, the Sharkies need to win this and win it well.

Cronulla Sharks Team News


Jesse Ramien is back from a hamstring injury at centre, but Briton Nikora is sidelined with concussion. Billy Burns comes into the starting side and Daniel Atkinson joins the pine.

Cronulla Sharks Team List


1. William Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Siosifa Talakai
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Billy Burns
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes

Interchange
14. Daniel Atkinson
15. Jesse Colquhoun
16. Toby Rudolf
17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Reserves
18. Jayden Berrell
19. Chris Veaila
20. Hohepa Puru
21. Samuel Stonestreet
22. Niwhai Puru

Verdict

Souths have run their race for 2025 and it's a must-win game for the Sharks - they should emerge comfortable winners.

Souths aren't expected to contribute much to the scoreboard, while Jesse Ramien is backed for anytime tryscorer.

Best Bet1: Sharks 13+ Margin $1.90 at dabble - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Under 48.5 Total Points $1.90 at dabble - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Jesse Ramien Anytime Tryscorer $2.80 at Neds - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: Jesse Ramien First Tryscorer $15.00 at betr - 1 Unit
Sharks 13+
Margin
$1.90 - 3 Units
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Under 48.5
Total Points
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