Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Raiders look to continue strong home form against inconsistent Sharks.
Start date/time: Thursday 3rd April, 2025: UK – 10:00am / Local – 8:00pm / US ET – 5:00am / US PT – 2:00am
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Foxtel / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – Kayo Sports / US – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms
Canberra Raiders Team News
In a significant boost for the Raiders, Morgan Smithies (concussion) returns via the bench as veteran Josh Papali’i moves into the starting side. Trey Mooney, meanwhile, moves to the extended bench.
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt 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
Cronulla Sharks Team News
Kayal Iro (hamstring) is out after a strong start to the season while his logical replacement, Siosifa Talakai (concussion), also misses out so that raises some concerns for a backline that barely fired a shot against the Bulldogs. Mawene Hiroti is the replacement in the centres, while Tom Hazelton (back) makes his return via the bench.
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. Thomas Hazelton 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Chris Veaila 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Jesse Colquhoun 22. Billy Burns
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks Prediction
The opening match of Round 5 features two teams searching for consistency. Both the Raiders and the Sharks have won two and lost two matches in this young season, with the Sharks recording a surprising home loss to an understrength Bulldogs outfit on Saturday. The Raiders, meanwhile, have followed up a strong victory at home over the Broncos with road losses to Manly and the Cowboys.
The Sharks won both matches between the two sides last year, albeit both were early in the season. Over the past six matches between the two, it is deadlocked at three wins each.
Both sides will be seeking a more consistent 80-minute performance while increasing their completion rates. With fine weather in the forecast, expect an improved showing from both sides with plenty of points on offer. A narrow Raiders win is favoured.
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks Tip: Canberra Raiders to win by 1-12 points
