Optus Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 6 NRL game between Cronulla Sharks and Manly Sea Eagles. The game kicks off at 3:00 pm with Cronulla Sharks heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Cronulla Sharks vs. Manly Sea Eagles game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday April 12, 2025 at 3:00 pm
Where: Optus Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Cronulla Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles Odds
Cronulla Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles Preview
Cronulla and Manly look to bounce back from disappointing defeats as they attempt to reassert themselves as top-four contenders.
The 2-3 Sharks started strong with comfortable victories over the Cowboys and Rabbitohs, but their momentum has stalled after a dominant home loss to the Bulldogs and a heartbreaking last-minute defeat to the Raiders. Star halfback Nicho Hynes is again under pressure, with criticism mounting over his inability to step up in crunch moments.
Meanwhile, the 3-2 Sea Eagles had been dominant at home, piling up a 108-36 aggregate scoreline against the Cowboys, Raiders, and Eels at 4 Pines Park. However, their confidence took a major hit last Sunday when the Storm dismantled them 48-24 — equaling the most points Manly has conceded in a game since 2020. The loss has cast new concern over Tom Trbojevic’s latest injury and added fuel to the ongoing Daly Cherry-Evans saga.
Teig Wilton and Siosifa Talakai return to bolster the Sharks’ lineup, while Josh Aloiai slots back in for Manly, covering for the suspended Corey Waddell.
Cronulla has had the edge in recent meetings, winning four of the last five against Manly, including a commanding 40-20 win at 4 Pines Park in their only 2024 clash so far. However, the Sea Eagles have enjoyed similar success at Shark Park, winning four of their last five visits.
Despite their firepower, Manly has only managed two regular-season away wins since Round 7 last year — a stat that gives the Sharks a valuable edge. Still, this clash promises to go down to the wire.
Cronulla Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles Tip
We're tipping Cronulla Sharks to win at $1.50 odds.
Cronulla Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles Teams
Sharks team: 1. William 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. Siosifa Talakai 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha 19. Billy Burns 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Jesse Colquhoun
Sea Eagles team: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Clayton Faulalo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Aloiai 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nathan Brown 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Tommy Talau 19. Aaron Schoupp 20. Jakob Arthur 21. Lachlan Croker 22. Michael Chee Kam