Rugby

Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters prediction and odds: NRL 2023 elimination final

The Sydney Roosters have squeaked their way into the postseason after looking dead and buried six weeks ago, but now the real test begins. Can the Roosters continue redeeming their season with a win away from home against the Cronulla Sharks? Read on for our Sharks vs Roosters predictions.

Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters – match predictions

Bookies have this match virtually 50/50, but we’ve got a good idea about how this one is going to unfold. Here are our top predictions ahead of the Sharks vs Roosters this weekend:

Either team to win by 13+ @ 2.40 (7/5)

There’s hardly anything between these two sides. They’re sixth and seventh on the ladder, both coming off must-win matches last week, but both looking like they have their vulnerabilities. It’s a coin toss at the bookies–and yet, we say it won’t be a close margin on the scoreboard. Why?

Simply put: These two teams either win big, or lose big. Across the Sharks past 12 matches, they’ve either won or lost by more than 13+ in 10 of these, including their last four in a row. Same with the Roosters–they have won or lost seven of their last eight by more than 13+, including their most recent four. That’s a combined 17 out of the last 20 matches played by these two that have had a 13+ margin.

Sydney Roosters to win 13+ @ 4.50 (7/2)

So which team will end up on the right side of this 13+ margin? We say it’ll be the Roosters, who head into this clash on a hot five-game winning streak, and finally look to have figured out this old game of rugby league. They won convincingly on the road against the Rabbitohs in a do-or-die setting, and we say they’ll do it all again in Cronulla this Saturday.

Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters preview

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

Cronulla Sharks

It’s been steady as she goes this year for the Sharks, with the Cronulla outfit threatening the top four for much of the season, before finishing in sixth place after some late wobbles. The Sharks have four wins from their last six matches, with an impressive 24-6 dispatching of the Raiders last week in a must-win match. However, recent 32-6 and 28-0 losses to the Knights and Panthers have shown their vulnerability, and this is far from a bulletproof team in 2023.

Sydney Roosters

Heading into the 2023 season, the Roosters were rated second favourites to win the NRL by most bookies. As the side most likely to challenge the Panthers pre-season, the Roosters have been thoroughly disappointing, stuttering their way through the majority of their fixtures. 

However, the Roosters have come alive when it matters, winning their last five matches on the trot to scrape their way into the NRL finals at seventh on the ladder. Most recently they won a virtual sudden death clash against the Rabbitohs, 26-12 on the road.

Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters head to head

The Roosters lead the head to head between these two teams 27-17, with one draw. However, most recently the Sharks have had the Roosters’ number, with Cronulla coming out on top in a gritty 22-12 victory when they met earlier this season.

Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters match details

Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters prediction odds

  • Date and time: Saturday 9 September, 10:50 AM GMT
  • Venue: PointsBet Stadium, Cronulla, Australia
  • How to watch: Sky Sports


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