PointsBet Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 12 NRL game between Cronulla Sharks and Penrith Panthers. The game kicks off at 5:30 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. Penrith Panthers game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday May 25, 2024 at 5:30 pm
Where: PointsBet Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Cronulla Sharks vs Penrith Panthers Odds
Cronulla Sharks vs Penrith Panthers Preview
A third straight high-profile showdown for ladder leaders Cronulla, though Nathan Clearys ongoing absence takes the sting out of this one somewhat and pitches Penrith into the unfamiliar underdog role.
The Sharks only loss was their bewildering capitulation to the Tigers in Round 3. Since then theyve won seven straight by at least seven points, carrying on the momentum from a soft early draw to outlast heavyweights Melbourne (25-18) at AAMI Park and Sydney Roosters (38-30) in Magic Round.
Nicho Hynes missed the Storm game where rookie Daniel Atkinson stepped up brilliantly but was best on ground as they finished over the top of the in-form Roosters. William Kennedy was also superb, while Cam McInnes, Jesse Ramien and Tom Hazelton pushed the NSW Origin causes.
The Panthers four-match winning streak came to an end in the most unexpected circumstances, stunned by a severely undermanned Warriors side 22-20 in an uncharacteristically sloppy performance on both sides of the ball.
Clearys poise was clearly missed, though Blues hopeful Jarome Luai was one of the best players on the park.
Scott Sorensen goes into the Panthers starting side with Luke Garner dropping out altogether and Liam Henry returning from concussion on the bench. The Sharks are unchanged.
The Panthers have won six of their last seven against the Sharks. The Sharks sole win during that period was a 19-18 result at Kogarah against an Origin-depleted Panthers outfit. Last seasons sole encounter finished 28-0 in the premiers favour at Penrith.
This is the clubs first meeting at Shark Park since 2019, with the Sharks winning the last five against the Panthers at this venue.
Penrith hasnt lost two in a row in more than a year, but near-full-strength, $1.60 favourite Cronullas stability and confidence from knocking over some fellow big guns has them ideally placed to go 5-0 at home for the season.
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Cronulla Sharks vs Penrith Panthers Tip
We're tipping Cronulla Sharks to win at $1.65 odds.
Cronulla Sharks vs Penrith Panthers Teams
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Royce Hunt 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Billy Burns 20. Samuel Healey 21. Samuel Stonestreet 22. Braydon Trindall
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Mavrik Geyer 19. Soni Luke 20. Trent Toelau 21. Jesse McLean 22. Tyrone Peachey
