Cronulla Sharks vs Wests Tigers Predictions: Sharks to bite back

Three consecutive defeats have stalled the progress of Cronulla Sharks, who remain well positioned in fourth place in the NRL standings but with a greatly diminished buffer in the race to finish in the top eight.

In fairness to Cronulla, Wests Tigers can only dream of occupying such a lofty position and they head to Shark Park on Friday morning rooted to the foot of the table. Read on for my Cronulla Sharks vs Wests Tigers prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Rugby League Odds

Team News

Nicho Hynes injured his ankle in training earlier this week so Braydon Trindall will start at scrum-half for the Sharks with Daniel Atkinson at stand-off.

Winger Sione Katoa returns to the hosts' starting 13 after missing last week's defeat to the Titans due to concussion protocols.

For the Tigers, centre Justin Olam has been ruled out and is replaced by Solomona Faataape in the number four jersey with Alex Lobb on the wing.

Cronulla Sharks vs Wests Tigers Odds

Cronulla Sharks are 4/9 to snap their three-game losing streak against Wests Tigers on Friday.

The visitors are 15/8 to pick up only their fifth win of the season and the 80-minute draw is available at 20/1.

Hosts Cronulla are 11/10 to overturn an eight-point handicap with the Tigers 5/6 to keep the Sharks at bay with the buffer.

Cronulla Sharks-Cronulla Sharks double result @ 10/11

Wests Tigers were the only side to get the better of the Cronulla Sharks in the first 10 rounds of the NRL season, so you can be sure that the hosts will be eager to exact revenge on their fellow Sydneysiders on Friday morning.

Snapping a three-game winless streak will also be high on the Sharks' agenda as they seek to consolidate their position in the top eight.

The Sharks' three consecutive defeats have been by just four, one and two points, however, and against teams much better than Wests, so the shade of odds-on available about Cronulla being ahead at half-time and at the final whistle could look generous if they can bite back at Shark Park.

Over 48.5 total points @ 5/6

Points have been in plentiful supply whenever Wests have taken to the field recently so backing there to be at least 49 on Friday seems worthwhile.

The Tigers' last six matches have yielded points returns of 68, 46, 72, 28, 70 and 70, and they posted 32 on their own when they surprisingly beat the Sharks in round three.

Cronulla's recent outings have been slightly tighter but their 16 matches this term have averaged 43.4 points and it wouldn't be a shock to see the points flow at Shark Park.

Find more Rugby League Tips here at Betfred Insights