Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks NRL Betting Tips - Chooks to cover the line in Round 16 finale

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: Fri 19 Jun 2026 10:47

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Jeremy Darke 19 Jun 2026

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Roosters favoured despite Sharks' 4-game win streak.
Tip: Take Sydney -4.5 & Under 49.5 points.
Mark Nawaqanitawase backed for 2+ tries.

Mark Nawaqanitawase tries backed (Getty Images)

Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks Verdict
Head to Head
Sydney Roosters Form - Origin Troops Return
Cronulla Sharks Form - Four In A Row

Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks Verdict

Cronulla are coming off four straight wins but the Roosters are the play to cover the line at home. It would be bigger but for last week's 48-10 loss to the Dolphins, which was impacted by Origin absences.

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 - Origin Troops Return

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 - Four In A Row

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.

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

@10/11 - 3 Units

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Under 49.5

Game Total

@10/11 - 2 Units

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Mark Nawaqanitawase

2+ Tries

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Mark Nawaqanitawase

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