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Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders NRL Betting Tips - Sharks backed for bounce back win in Round 24

gary-emmerson
Gary Emmerson
Editor
Last updated: Thu 13 Aug 2026 09:35
The Cronulla Sharks are tipped to rebound from their shock loss to the Dragons with a comfortable home win over the Canberra Raiders in Round 24. The Sharks have dominated recent meetings, winning five of the last six against Canberra, and boast a strong scoring record. In contrast, the Raiders are set to miss finals after a late run fell short, hindered by defensive woes and key suspensions. Expect the Sharks to cover the -8.5 line, with KL Iro and Billy Burns as potential try scorers.
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  • Sharks predicted to comfortably beat Raiders and cover -8.5 line
  • Sharks’ attack strong; Iro & Burns tipped for tries
  • Raiders' finals hopes fading, struggling defensively
cronulla sharks
Cronulla Sharks to bounce back (Getty Images)


Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders Verdict


Cronulla had an off day last week, losing to the bottom side the Dragons. That was a real shocker of a performance and I'm backing the Sharks to get their premiership bid back on track with a comfortable home win over the Raiders. 
  • Sharks have won nine of their last 11 games
  • Six of those nine wins have covered a -8.5 line
  • Sharks have scored 31+ points in nine of their 13 wins this season
  • Sharks have won five of their last six meetings vs Raiders
  • Sharks have covered a -8.5 line & scored 31+ points in their last five wins vs Raiders
  • Raiders haven't won at Ocean Protect Stadium since 2019
  • Raiders have lost eight of their last 13 games
  • Raiders have leaked 30+ points in their last three defeats, including 42 exactly in two
  • Raiders have leaked 30+ points in nine of their 12 defeats this season
  • KL Iro has scored 12 tries in 18 games this season & has scored in his last two appearances vs Raiders
  • Billy Burns scored a try last week & has also scored in his last two appearances vs Raiders

Head To Head

The Sharks have won five of the last six encounters, including a finals win last year. Canberra are without a win in the Shire since 2019.

Cronulla Sharks Form - Shocking Performance

A spot in the finals has never really looked in doubt, but do the Sharks have what it takes to beat the genuine elite and in-form sides when they get there?

Nicho Hynes finally stepped up over the last couple of months to justify his heavy price tag and alongside Braydon Trindall, the Sharks' attack was humming as the team won nine of 10 games before last week.

However, Cronulla rocked up flat as a pancake against the Dragons and the NRL's bottom side - who continue to put in loads of effort - made them pay. It leaves the Sharks clinging onto fourth spot on points differential.

Canberra Raiders Form - Finals Unlikely

The Raiders somehow won the minor premiership last year on the back of countless 1-12 victories and the tables have turned in 2026, with the Green Machine all but out of the finals race heading into Round 24.

Canberra attempted a late surge into the finals picture with four straight wins, but ultimately they left their run too late.

Ricky Stuart's side were outclassed by the Panthers in Mudgee 42-18 before losing out to the Knights in a must-win game at home last week, falling 30-24.

The two sides went try-for-try throughout the contest, but a late brain snap from the fiery Corey Horsburgh cost Canberra as Big Red was sent to the sin bin for slapping Dane Gagai during an incident in the play the ball.

Sharks vs Raiders Team News

Stuart blew up deluxe in the press conference and that's probably the last time we ever see Horsburgh in a Canberra jersey again.

Ata Mariota moves to prop and Matty Nicholson starts in the back row, with Seb Kris and Venasiotangifetaua Patuki Case joining the bench. Savelio Tamale also comes in for Simi Sasagi, who is set to undergo shoulder surgery.

Addin Fonua-Blake is suspended for the Sharks, meaning Oregon Kaufusi comes into the starting side.

KL Iro is back from concussion and slots into centre for Jesse Ramien, who is out with a pectoral injury. Siosifa Talakai returns on the bench from a bicep injury.

Verdict

The Sharks are backed for a big win over the Raiders, with Iro & Burns grabbing four-pointers.

Best Bet1: Sharks -8.5 Line @5/6 at Hollywoodbets - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Sharks Over 30.5 Team Total Points @10/11 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet3: KL Iro Anytime Tryscorer @29/23 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: Billy Burns Anytime Tryscorer @11/2 at Hollywoodbets - 1 Unit
Sharks -8.5
Line
@5/6 - 3 Units
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Sharks Over 30.5
Team Total Points
@10/11 - 2 Units
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Bet at bet365
KL Iro
Anytime Tryscorer
@29/23 - 1 Unit
Bet £20 Get £10
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Bet at Star Sports
Billy Burns
Anytime Tryscorer
@11/2 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Hollywoodbets
gary-emmerson
Gary Emmerson

Sports Editor • 30+ Years Experience In Sports & Betting

Gary has been writing about sport for more than 25 years and graduated with a degree in media and journalism. He has worked for newspapers and online, covering everything from horse racing to football and loves a bet.


Follow Gary on Muckrack, Twitter or Linkedin

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