Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders prediction and odds: NRL 2023 Round 27

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After 27 weeks, the NRL regular season ends with an absolute doozy of a match. Two top eight teams, neither with their playoffs fate secured yet, battling it out in the last game of the round robin. Read on for our Sharks vs Raiders predictions.

Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders – Match Predictions

Contents

1 Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders – Match Predictions
- 1.1 Cronulla Sharks to win 1-12 @ 3.25 (9/4)
- 1.2 Canberra Raiders to win 1-12 @ 4.50 (7/2)
2 Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders preview
3 Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders match details

With the Raiders at serious risk of failing down the NRL ladder and outside of the top eight if they lose this match, we could see some entertaining footy played on Sunday. With that in mind, here are our top predictions ahead of the Sharks vs Raiders:

Cronulla Sharks to win 1-12 @ 3.25 (9/4)

Both of these sides have been neck and neck throughout the back half of this season, sitting in the top eight without truly challenging the top four over the past month or two. However, the Sharks have been slightly better, on balance. Until they were soundly beaten by the Knights last week, they had won three games in a row, and were looking deserving of being in the top eight.

The same can’t be said of the Raiders. Mid-season they were hot, but they’ve well and truly been on a cooler, slipping further and further down the ladder. So much so, that their top eight position is at risk, after once looking like they’d be top four.

This slight edge in form, plus home ground advantage, sways this result in favour of the Sharks for us.

Canberra Raiders to win 1-12 @ 4.50 (7/2)

Hang on–isn’t this the opposite of the bet above? Sure is. That’s because if the Cowboys upset the Panthers, then the Raiders will be forced to win here in order to make the eight. With that kind of clear-cut, do-or-die mandate on the line, and with the Sharks knowing that their position is likely still secure given their points differential advantage over the Cowboys, we say this would swing the match in favour of the Raiders.

Only take this bet if the Cowboys win, but get in quick because the odds will likely shift as well if that happens.

Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders preview

Heading into this match, here’s a look at how both teams’ seasons have gone so far in the NRL 2023:

Cronulla Sharks

The Sharks have been regulars in the top eight this year, with 13 wins and 10 losses. After winning three in a row across August, they were beaten badly by the Knights last week, 32-6. Even so, barring a miracle, they should be around next week.

Canberra Raiders

The Raiders have also been a mainstay in the top eight this season, even though their stocks have been plummeting. Also with 13 wins and 10 losses, the Green Machine have picked up four of those losses in their past six matches, losing 29-18 last week to the Broncos.