Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks Prediction: Sharks to drag the Roosters into deep water

The Sydney Roosters will be eager to record a shock victory when they welcome the Cronulla Sharks to the Industree Group Stadium in Gosford on Saturday in the NRL (10:35, Sky Sports Action). Saturday's game will be contested in Gosford as part of the Roosters' commitment to playing one match a year at the stadium, so it will not have that home advantage feel that they usually have at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Cronulla have impressed and sit fifth at the time of writing, while the Roosters' poor start means they are 11th. Below are my Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks predictions, accompanied by team news and match odds.

Team News 

The Roosters have five players on State of Origin duty with Robert Toia, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu all called up to play in Game 1 of the series.

Roosters boss Trent Robinson has handed Benaiah Ioelu his first NRL cap this week, while the likes of Dom Young, Nat Butcher, Salesi Foketi, Makahesi Makatoa and Ethan Roberts all return to the fold.

Rugby League Odds

The Sharks do not have one player called up for the Origin opener, although winger Sam Stonestreet is facing up to two months on the sidelines due to an ankle injury.

Jesse Ramien is set to shake off an eye injury to feature, while Mawene Hiroti returns to the Sharks squad for the first time since Round 8.

Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks Odds

The Roosters have been hit hard by Origin call-ups, so they are 13/5, or a 27.8% chance, to win in Gosford. The draw is priced at 22/1, while Cronulla are 3/10 to win on the road.

Cronulla are 21/20 to cover the -10 handicap and 10/11 to surpass the -4.5 first-half handicap.

Cronulla Sharks -10 @ 21/20

The Sharks have the advantage ahead of kick-off this week as they have very few distractions in their camp ahead of Origin.

Sydney have won eight of their last 10 games against Cronulla, but that impressive record should improve in the Sharks' favour this week.

Cronulla's forwards have competed well against some of the best teams in the division this season, and they should win the arm wrestle against an inexperienced Roosters pack.

Total Points - Over 44.5 @ 20/21

The two teams last met in May 2024, and a whopping 68 points were scored on that occasion.

While there may not be as many points this week, both teams have some firepower. The Roosters have Daniel Tupou fit and firing, and he has scored 11 tries in 14 games against the Sharks.

Sydney's backs have what it takes to spread the ball wide and find gaps, and while they should fall short at full-time, they can play their part in making Saturday's match an entertaining one for the neutral.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.