Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters Predictions and Betting Tips

🏈 NRL Final Round Week 1 Match Preview

⏰ 9 September 2023 - 19:50 AEST

🏟 Stadium - PointsBet Stadium (Sydney)

The Cronulla Sharks will host the Sydney Roosters this Saturday night in an exciting NRL elimination final from PointsBet Stadium. Rugby league fans are in for a thriller as these two sides face off for a spot in the next round.

According to the odds at AusBetSites, the Sharks have been installed as modest 1.80 favourites to get the vital win on home soil. The Australian bookmakers have Cronulla priced as narrow favourites across the 39 sportsbooks offering markets on the match.

This shapes as a difficult clash to predict, with momentum on the side of both teams heading into the finals. The Sharks have found form lately, winning 4 of their past 5 matches. Meanwhile, the Roosters remarkably bring a five-game winning streak into this knockout playoff.

After an up-and-down regular season, the Sharks appear to have hit their straps at the ideal time. Last week they took care of the Raiders 24-6 to lock up this home elimination final.

The Roosters secured their finals place in style last round, beating arch-rivals Souths 26-12 to end the Rabbitohs' season. With superstars returning and young guns like Sam Walker rediscovering top form, the Tricolours are peaking when it matters most under master coach Trent Robinson.

This sets the stage for a mouth-watering playoff clash between two in-form sides. The winner books a semi-final spot, while the loser bows out of the premiership race. Stakes will be high on Saturday night as the Sharks and Roosters write another chapter in their fierce rivalry.

Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters Head-to-Head

Over the past 8 years, the head-to-head matchups between the Sharks and Roosters have been dominated by the tricolours. Since 2015, the two clubs have faced off 11 times with Sydney winning 7 of those games compared to just 4 victories for Cronulla. The series has not featured any draws in that span. Clearly the Roosters have had the wood over the Sharks in recent seasons, barely losing to their local rivals. The lopsided head-to-head record reflects Sydney's consistency as one of the premiership's premier teams, while Cronulla have endured up and down periods. With a much superior record against the Sharks in recent history, the Roosters will enter their upcoming clash with psychological dominance over their opponents.

Cronulla Sharks Performance

🟩🟩🟩🟥🟩 The Cronulla Sharks come into this match having won 4 of their last 5 games, with just a single loss to blemish their recent record. After a rocky mid-season stretch, the Sharks have found their groove late in the year to build important momentum for the finals. Their lone defeat came in a tight contest and hasn't derailed their surge heading into the playoffs. With their attack clicking and trademark grit in defense, Cronulla look primed for the finals based on their steady form guide. They will need to channel the tenacity that delivered wins in 4 of their past 5 matches.

Sydney Roosters Performance

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Much like their opponents, the Sydney Roosters have also hit top gear in the run home, incredibly winning their last 5 games straight. The Roosters have discovered red-hot form when it matters most, dominating opponents during their unbeaten streak. Their five consecutive wins have come with both class and conviction. After dragging through the middle part of the year, Sydney are finally playing to their potential when it counts. Their current form line paints the picture of bonafide contenders ready to make noise in September. The Roosters will be brimming with belief on the back of 5 imposing wins.

📋 Players to watch:

• Ronaldo Mulitalo has been a try-scoring machine at home, crossing 26 times in 24 games at PointsBet Stadium.
• James Tedesco has scored 7 tries in just his past 8 finals appearances for the Roosters.
• Joseph Suaalii is in hot form, scoring a try in 4 of his last 5 games.
• Jesse Ramien has crossed for a try in each of his last 5 home games at PointsBet Stadium.
• Billy Smith has scored tries in 4 of his previous 6 matches for the Roosters.

⚡ Match Facts:

• The Roosters have won 7 of the last 8 meetings between the teams overall.
• Sydney have won 4 of their previous 5 games against the Sharks at PointsBet Stadium.
• The Roosters bring a strong 5-game winning streak into this match.
• The Sharks have lost their last 5 finals matches heading into this elimination playoff.
• 11 of the Roosters' last 12 games have stayed under 46.5 total points.
• Cronulla's last 6 matches have also gone under 46.5 points.

💡 Match Prediction:

The Roosters have dominated the recent head-to-head matchups, winning 7 of the last 8 against the Sharks. With a 5-game winning streak heading into finals, the Tricolours are peaking at the right time. The Sharks are a dangerous opponent, especially at home, but their poor finals record is a concern. The Roosters seem to have the edge in class and momentum.

Recommended bet: Roosters -6.5 handicap

Back the Roosters to win by a margin of 7+ points. Their recent domination of the Sharks suggests they can cover this handicap away from home.

Other predictions: Total match points: Under 46.5

With two strong defensive teams that have trended under in recent meetings, take the under on what should be a relatively low-scoring playoff battle.

Correct score: Roosters 22 - Sharks 12

Look for the Tricolours to continue their excellent record over the Sharks with a 10 point win, holding Cronulla's attack at bay while doing enough damage with their star-studded roster.