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Cronulla Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL Betting Tips - Sharks capable of covering big line in Round 22

jeremy-darke
Editor
Last updated: Thu 30 Jul 2026 14:22
The Cronulla Sharks are enjoying excellent form, securing eight victories from their last nine games and aiming for a top-four finish. In their upcoming clash with South Sydney Rabbitohs, Cronulla are predicted to comfortably cover the -11.5 point spread, supported by nine of their wins this season coming by 12+ points. Souths have struggled defensively and at Cronulla’s home ground. Sione Katoa, on a prolific try-scoring run, is heavily tipped to score again, making the Sharks clear favourites for this matchup.
Jeremy Darke 30 Jul 2026
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  • Cronulla Sharks have won 8 of their last 9 matches
  • Sharks heavily favoured to cover the -11.5 point line vs Rabbitohs
  • Sione Katoa backed to score for the sixth consecutive match
cronulla sharks
Cronulla Sharks to continue winning form (Getty Images)

Cronulla Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Verdict


Cronulla have won eight of their last nine matches since Round 11 and are flying towards a top four finish. Despite given a -11.5 to cover, I think they can do so having recorded nine of their 12 wins this season by 12+ points. 

  • Nine of Cronulla’s 12 wins have come by at least 12 points.
  • The Sharks have won eight of their last nine matches.
  • Cronulla have held six of their last seven opponents to 20 points or fewer.
  • Sione Katoa has scored eight tries across his last five games.

Head to Head


Cronulla have won five of their last six matches against South Sydney, although the Rabbitohs claimed a convincing 36-12 victory when the teams met earlier this season.

Before that defeat, the Sharks had won four consecutive meetings. They recorded victories of 14-12 and 27-12 in 2025 after winning 20-6 and 34-22 during the 2024 season.

South Sydney have also struggled at Cronulla’s home ground, winning only one of their last seven matches at Ocean Protect Stadium.

Cronulla Sharks Form - Flying Sharks


Cronulla have won four consecutive matches and feight of their last nine, beating Brisbane, the Dolphins, Newcastle and Manly during their winning streak. 

Their last three victories have come by margins of 66, two and 36 points, showing they can dominate open contests or remain patient in tighter games.

Cronulla have averaged 34 points across their last five matches while conceding only 14.6. They rank second for points, fourth for defensive linebreaks and first for run metres allowed.

Hynes and Trindall appear to have found their best balance in the halves, combining for five try assists against Manly. Addin Fonua-Blake continues to establish the platform through the middle, while Tom Hazelton returns to strengthen the starting front row.

South Sydney Rabbitohs Form - 3 Wins In 5


South Sydney enter Round 22 after securing a dramatic 28-26 victory over Melbourne, with Campbell Graham scoring the match-winning try in the closing stages.

The Rabbitohs have won three of their last five matches, beating Parramatta, Newcastle and Melbourne while losing to Penrith and Canberra. Their attack has averaged 24.8 points during that period, but they have conceded 26.4.

South Sydney produced six tries against the Storm despite missing several important players, but their defence remains a concern against a Cronulla side currently creating opportunities across the field.

Verdict

Cronulla are backed to hold Souths to under 20.5 points and kick away to cover the 11.5 point line as the favourite. Sione Katoa will cross again for the sixth straight match.

Best Bet4: Sione Katoa First Tryscorer @13/2 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Best Bet1: Cronulla -11.5 Handicap/Line @10/11 at bet365 - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Souths Under 20.5 Team Total @10/11 at Star Sports - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Sione Katoa Anytime Tryscorer @8/11 at Hollywood bets - 2 Units
Sione Katoa
First Tryscorer
@13/2 - 1 Unit

Bet at Hollywood bets
Cronulla -11.5
Handicap/Line
@10/11 - 3 Units

Bet at bet365
Souths Under 20.5
Team Total
@10/11 - 2 Units

Bet at Star Sports
Sione Katoa
Anytime Tryscorer
@8/11 - 2 Units

Bet at Hollywood bets
jeremy-darke
Jeremy Darke

Sports Editor & Betting Analyst • 15+ Years of Experience, Australian Sports Specialist

Jeremy is a freelance journalist who is a true sports activist. A die-hard fan of the NRL all his life and also has a passion for all the major American sports.


From when he was a little fella he has played most sports ranging from rugby, ice hockey, tennis and football, just to name a few. His interest in analytics and statistics helps him find the edge while writing previews and being a regular tipster.

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