GIO Stadium will play host to Thursday's Round 5 NRL game between Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks. The game kicks off at 8:00 pm with Cronulla Sharks heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Canberra Raiders vs. Cronulla Sharks game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Thursday April 3, 2025 at 8:00 pm
Where: GIO Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks Odds
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks Preview
After a strong start to the season, the Canberra Raiders will be aiming to bounce back when they take on the Cronulla Sharks at GIO Stadium on Thursday night. The Raiders, who once sat comfortably near the top, have stumbled in recent weeks, most recently conceding 30 points in a tough loss to the Cowboys. Meanwhile, the Sharks have also hit a rough patch, slipping out of the top eight following a disappointing 20-6 defeat to the Bulldogs, where they managed just a single try at home.
Canberra receives a boost with Morgan Smithies returning from concussion, while Josh Papali’i moves into the starting lineup, pushing Trey Mooney to the reserves. Cronulla has also made changes, with Mawene Hiroti stepping in for the injured Kayal Iro and Tom Hazelton returning from a back injury. However, the Sharks will be without Siosifa Talakai due to concussion.
Last season, Cronulla dominated this fixture, handing the Raiders a crushing 40-0 defeat at GIO Stadium. Canberra will be determined to avoid a repeat and get their season back on track.
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks Tip
We're tipping Cronulla Sharks to win at $1.65 odds.
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks Teams
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Seb Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joe Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matty Nicholson 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Ata Mariota 18. Danny Levi 19. Jed Stuart 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Trey Mooney 22. Adam Cook
Sharks team: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Mawene Hiroti 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Tom Hazelton 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Chris Vea’ila 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Jesse Colquhoun 22. Billy Burns