NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Sharks

The Raiders started in red-hot form against the Cowboys last weekend, scoring in the first moments of the game and holding the Cowboys scoreless for 25 minutes.

Moments before half time, the swing of possession and momentum went the Cowboys’ way, which they took full advantage of throughout the game.

Cronulla enter this match with an equal record of 2-2 after their 20-6 loss to the Bulldogs at home last weekend.

Talking Points:

• Raiders captain Joe Tapine returned to the team last week, scoring a try in his return.
• Morgan Smithies returns to the squad after sitting out a week with a concussion he suffered in round three.
• Xavier Savage has scored a try in each game this season.
• Tom Hazelton re-joins the Sharks lineup, replacing Siosifa Talakai who misses the match with concussion.
• Kayal Iro has also been ruled out for the Sharks with a hamstring injury, with Mawene Hiroti listed to replace him.

Last time they met:

Last time these two teams met, the Sharks took a dominant 40-0 win against the Raiders at GIO stadium Canberra in round 8 of the 2024 season.

Key Matchup

Joesph Tapine vs Addin Fonua-Blake

Joesph Tapine has stood tall as the Raiders captain and has shown his experience and leadership on the field and around the squad has been so important for this season. 

Tapine was back in action against the Cowboys last weekend with a try, 115 run meters, 3 tackle breaks and 34 tackles made.

When Tapine gets going, he is impossible to stop; his footwork and strength are a big concern for the Cronulla Sharks' defence. Although the Sharks have a terrific tackle efficiency through the middle, don’t be surprised when Tapine aims for the outside edges in the Sharks line, and attempts to run over the top of them.

The big and aggressive front rower will continue to show how huge he is for the Raiders pack and the leadership he has around the team.

The Raiders will look to tighten up their defence through the middle and cannot miss one-on-one tackles, as the Sharks will take full advantage, but with Tapine having a tackle efficiency of 92% that shouldn’t be a worry for the captain.

It's going to be a mammoth effort to hold off this shark’s pack, but having Papalii and Tapine will have the Sharks swimming back to the shire in a hurry.

On the other side, Addin Fonua-Blake has been killing it in season 2025 with an average of 174 running meters, along with 19 tackle breaks and 336.8 post-contact meters for the season. Addin Fonua-Blake is one to watch out for when he is on top of his game.

The Sharks have been missing a front rower that has the capability to face the big packs they come up against, but having the Tongan powerhouse Addin Fonua-Blake, they have the aggression they needed in their pack.

Despite the Sharks having a shock loss against the Bulldogs last week and keeping AFB relatively quiet, he will be revved up and ready to go in this thrilling matchup.

Head-to-Head

Since 1982, both teams have faced each other 87 times, with the Sharks having a slight upper hand with 45 matches won to the Raiders' 42.