C.ex Coffs International Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 12 NRL game between Cronulla Sharks and Newcastle Knights. The game kicks off at 3:00 pm with Cronulla Sharks heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Cronulla Sharks vs. Newcastle Knights game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday May 20, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Where: C.ex Coffs International Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights Odds
Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights Preview
Fourth-placed Cronulla is a warm $1.32 favourite to put away a Newcastle side coming off its biggest win of 2023, achieved courtesy of a major form turnaround from a maligned marquee man.
Shocked 36-16 by the Dolphins in Magic Round, the Sharks responded with a 20-14 victory at Manly spearheaded by Nicho Hynes and Briton Nikora. It was, however, disappointing they were forced into a nervy finish after leading 20-2 at the hour mark.
The Sharks are again without Siosifa Talakai, while Oregon Kaufusi returns in time to replace Cameron McInnes, who suffered a broken hand on Sunday.
The Knights had been gritty all season in the face of a heavy injury toll – until a limp 43-12 loss at Parramatta in Round 9 that was highlighted by a turnstile defensive performance from the recently returned Kalyn Ponga.
But following the Magic Round bye, Ponga ignited in last Sunday’s home clash with the Titans, producing three beautiful try-assists and then a sizzling 60-metre solo try as the Knights turned an 18-12 deficit into a runaway 46-26 win.
Bradman Best and Dom Young scored two tries apiece for the Knights, who jumped to 11th with a 4-1-5 record.
Cronulla has won 10 of its last 14 against Newcastle overall – breaking a four-match losing streak with wins at home (18-0) and away (38-16) in 2022. The Sharks have taken games to Coffs Harbour for the past two seasons, beating Gold Coast 38-10 and 18-10.
It’s a vital clash for both teams ahead of a tricky Origin period that will likely see Hynes and Ponga unavailable for some games. Eager to further prove the Dolphins loss was an aberration, the Sharks should get the result – but a 9.5-point start is a bit generous.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Cronulla Sharks to win at $1.32 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Ronaldo Mulitalo at $7.50.
Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights Teams
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Connor Tracey 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Royce Hunt 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Braydon Trindall 15. Jack Williams 16. Wade Graham 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Daniel Atkinson 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Braden Hamlin-Uele 21. Jesse Colquhoun 22. Jayden Berrell
Knights team: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Kalyn Ponga 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Jack Hetherington 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Leo Thompson 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Adam Elliott 17. Mathew Croker 18. Jack Johns 19. Enari Tuala 20. Adam Clune 21. Hymel Hunt 22. Simi Sasagi