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Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla Sharks NRL Betting Tips - Panthers to keep Sharks at bay

andrew-hendrie
Andrew Hendrie
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Last updated: Thu 12 Mar 2026 22:18
In an anticipated NRL matchup, the Penrith Panthers are favored to continue their strong performance against the Cronulla Sharks. The Panthers' recent 26-0 victory over the Broncos underscores their defensive strength, a key factor in their nine out of ten wins against the Sharks. Tom Jenkins, a standout with 15 tries in his last 16 games, is expected to score again. The Panthers are predicted to cover a -7.5 line while keeping the Sharks under 17.5 points in the game.
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Andrew Hendrie 12 Mar 2026
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  • Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla Sharks predictions for Saturday's NRL Round 2 game
  • Panthers favored with -7.5 line; expect strong defence
  • Tom Jenkins predicted as anytime and first tryscorer
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penrith panthers
Penrith Panthers defence to shine (Getty Images)


Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla Sharks Preview


Penrith Panthers kept Brisbane Broncos scoreless last week and can take the points in this one on the back of another strong defensive effort. I'm taking them to cover -7.5 and keep Cronulla under 17.5 points.
  • Panthers have won nine of the last 10 meetings between the teams
  • Panthers have kept Sharks to 10 points or less in four of the last five meetings
  • Panthers have kept Sharks scoreless in three of the last seven meetings
  • Panthers are coming off a 26-0 win over Brisbane last week
  • Panthers have kept their opponents Under 17.5 points in three of their last four NRL games
  • Panthers have covered a -7.5 line in eight of their last nine wins
  • Tom Jenkins has scored 15 tries in his last 16 games

Panthers vs Sharks Head To Head

This will be their first meeting since Round 1 in Vegas last year, where the Panthers scored late for a 28-22 victory. Penrith have dominated this matchup in recent times, winning nine of the last 10.

YearWinnerScoreVenue
2025Penrith Panthers28–22Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
2024Penrith Panthers26–6Accor Stadium, Sydney
2024Penrith Panthers42–0PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
2023Penrith Panthers28–0BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
2022Penrith Panthers20–10BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Penrith Panthers Begin With A Bang

It was classic Penrith last week as they suffocated the Broncos in a 26-0 ambush on the road.

Defence once again laid the platform and although Penrith weren't completely seamless in attack, they didn't need to be.

Dylan Edwards was on song, running for 260 metres and scoring a try, while Tom Jenkins crossed for a double after being a late inclusion on the wing.

Ivan Cleary was pleased with how his side showed up for Round 1.

"A good result, and defensively definitely happy with the scoreline," Cleary said. 
"There was plenty of Round 1 about it, but I thought there was enough defensive pressure from both sides to cause a few errors."

Penrith Panthers Team News

Cleary has stuck with the same squad that downed the Broncos, with Jenkins retaining his place on the wing and Paul Alamoti staying at centre.

1. Dylan Edwards 
2. Thomas Jenkins 
3. Paul Alamoti 
4. Casey McLean 
5. Brian To’o 
6. Blaize Talagi 
7. Nathan Cleary 
8. Moses Leota 
9. Mitch Kenny 
10. Lindsay Smith 
11. Isaiah Papali’i 
12. Luke Garner 
13. Isaah Yeo

Interchange
14. Jack Cogger 
15. Billy Phillips 
16. Scott Sorensen 
17. Kalani Going 

Reserves
18. Izack Tago 
19. Freddy Lussick 
20. Tom Ale 
21. Jack Cole 
22. Sione Fonua

Cronulla Sharks Rampant In Round 1

The Sharks ran rampant over a terrible Titans side last week, putting on a show in front of their home fans to prevail 50-10.

Brayden Trindall produced one of the finest performances of his career, scoring a double and combining nicely with Nicho Hynes.

Addin Fonua-Blake was his usual powerhouse self through the middle, running for 200 metres and his battle with Moses Leota will be one to watch in this clash.

Cronulla Sharks Team News

1. William Kennedy 
2. Sione Katoa 
3. Jesse Ramien 
4. KL Iro 
5. Samuel Stonestreet 
6. Braydon Trindall 
7. Nicho Hynes 
8. Addin Fonua-Blake 
9. Blayke Brailey 
10. Thomas Hazelton 
11. Briton Nikora 
12. Billy Burns 
13. Jesse Colquhoun 

Interchange
14. Siosifa Talakai 
15. Toby Rudolf 
16. Oregon Kaufusi 
17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Reserves 
18. Hohepa Puru 
19. Chris Veaila 
20. Jayden Berrell 
21. Niwhai Puru 
22. Michael Gabrael

Verdict

The Panthers are tipped to cover on the back of their defence, with Tom Jenkins scoring once again.

Best Bet1: Panthers -7.5 Line @17/20 at Hollywood bets - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Sharks Under 17.5 Total Team Points @10/11 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Tom Jenkins Anytime Tryscorer @9/10 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: Tom Jenkins First Tryscorer @7/1 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Panthers -7.5
Line
@17/20 - 3 Units
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Sharks Under 17.5
Total Team Points
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Tom Jenkins
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Tom Jenkins
First Tryscorer
@7/1 - 1 Unit
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