Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks NRL Round 16 Tips - Chooks chomp the Sharks

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: Wed 17 Jun 2026 13:49

Jeremy Darke 1 hour ago

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Roosters tipped to cover -4.5 at home with key players back.
Under 49.5 points recommended given strong recent defenses.
Nawaqanitawase favored to score 2+ tries after hot form.
Kick off is at 6:15 PM (AEST) on Sunday, 21st June at Allianz Stadium

Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks NRL Round 16 Tips

Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks, Round 16 2026 - Expert Prediction

The Roosters look well placed to bounce back at Allianz Stadium, with a reduced line offering value against a Cronulla side coming off four straight wins.

Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks, Round 16 2026 - Expert Prediction
Head to Head
Sydney Roosters Form Analysis
Cronulla Sharks Form Analysis
Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks Team News & Team Lists
Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks NRL 2026 Round 16 FAQ’s

Much of the market movement is being driven by recent form, but the Roosters were heavily impacted by Origin absences during their 48-10 loss to the Dolphins. They regain key personnel here and return to a venue where they average 25 points per game this season.

The under also appeals. The model projects 48.6 points compared to a market total of 49.5, while Cronulla are coming off a grinding 10-8 win over the Warriors and have conceded just 18.8 points per game across their last five matches.

Mark Nawaqanitawase is the standout player prop. The Roosters flyer has scored three doubles in his last four matches and remains one of the most dangerous finishers in the competition. If the Roosters generate enough field position, he should again find opportunities on the edge.

Take Sydney Roosters -4.5, Under 49.5 Total Points and Mark Nawaqanitawase 2+ Tries.

Cronulla's last five games have averaged just 43.2 total points.
The Roosters defeated Cronulla 34-22 earlier this season.
The model projects 48.6 total points against a 49.5 market line.
Mark Nawaqanitawase has scored three doubles in his last four matches.

Head to Head

These sides have split the last five meetings, with the Roosters winning two and Cronulla winning three.

The most recent clash went the Roosters' way, 34-22 in Round 6 this season, while Cronulla won both meetings during 2025. The overall margins have generally been competitive, with four of the last five meetings decided by 13 points or fewer.

Sydney still hold the overall advantage in the rivalry, winning 30 of 51 meetings since 1998.

Sydney Roosters Form Analysis

The Roosters enter this game off a heavy 48-10 defeat to the Dolphins, but that result came with seven players unavailable through Origin commitments.

Prior to that loss, they had beaten Canberra 26-0 and remained one of the better defensive sides in the competition. Across their last five games they have allowed just 19.2 points per game despite facing Melbourne, North Queensland and a high-powered Dolphins attack.

The return of several regular starters should significantly improve both their attack and defensive structure. Playing back at Allianz Stadium is another positive, where they average 25 points per game this season.

Cronulla Sharks Form Analysis

Cronulla have won four straight matches and continue to grind out results.

The Sharks beat the Warriors 10-8 last week after earlier wins over St George, Manly and the Bulldogs. During that four-game winning streak they have conceded only 14.5 points per game and have relied on strong defence and game management rather than explosive attack.

Braydon Trindall continues to steer the side around effectively, but Cronulla's recent scoring profile suggests another tight contest rather than a shootout.

Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks Team News & Team Lists

Team News and Lists are in our dedicated Round 16 Team List Article.

Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks NRL 2026 Round 16 FAQ’s

How to livestream Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks NRL 2026 Round 16?

You can livestream the Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks NRL 2026 Round 16 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside of Australia the WatchNRL app is the perfect solution.

How to buy tickets to Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks NRL 2026 Round 16?

To buy tickets to the Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks NRL 2026 Round 16 game check the NRL website or the official Sydney Roosters site.

Verdict

Sydney Roosters v Cronulla Sharks

Take Sydney Roosters -4.5, Under 49.5 Total Points and Mark Nawaqanitawase 2+ Tries.

Sydney Roosters -4.5

Handicap/Line

$1.91 - 3 Units

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