Dragons v Sharks NRL tips, odds & multi picks – Round 4, 2023

Round four of the NRL Premiership wraps up in Kogarah with the St George Illawarra Dragons hosting the Cronulla Sharks at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Sunday evening.

After a first-round bye, a win over the Titans had seen the Dragons start their season successfully before being belted in the last 10 minutes of their clash with the Broncos. The Sharks have started their season in incredibly rocky fashion with losses to the Rabbitohs and Raiders but will be looking to bounce back against their cross-river rivals.

The Cronulla Sharks have named Dally M Medal-winning halfback Nicho Hynes to start for his first game of the campaign, having suffered a calf strain in pre-season. However, he is not guaranteed to start with Braydon Trindall being named on the bench and Connor Tracey in the reserves. The Dragons have also named Toby Couchman on the bench in place of Michael Molo.

READ: Best bookmakers for NRL odds in 2023

The Sharks have won 26 of their last 50 games against the Dragons, including their last two matches by a combined 50-30 scoreline. While the Dragons have performed will to start the season, the Sharks arguably have a better, more dynamic team across the park. The addition of Hynes to the side will only decide how many points Cronulla win by as they cover the -6.5 line ($1.90).

At this early stage of the 2023 NRL season, neither side has had the opportunity to show clear defensive deficiencies or attacking preferences. However, there is one player for the Sharks who appears to have elevated his game to a whole new level.

Briton Nikora’s ability to run hard lines at incredible pace is frightening to watch. His physical presence has been one of the highlights of the Sharks to start the year. Look for either Trindall or Hynes to play short to Nikora, creating defensive headaches for Jaydn Su’a, which should see the Cronulla back-rower score at any time during the match ($3.40).

Both of these sides have shown early in the season they are capable of piling on points from across the park. The calibre of talent in these sides is incredible, led by their halves, often to the benefit of their wingers. Look for Sunday’s match to be an end-to-end, high-scoring affair that exceeds 42.5 total points ($1.90).

Key matchup: Tyrell Sloan v William Kennedy

The battle of the fullbacks shapes to be the highlight of the afternoon. These two players are highly instinctive, athletic, and damaging when they’re at the peak of their powers. Will Kennedy has already scored a hat-trick this season, while Tyrell Sloan is growing into his role in the first-grade side. Both teams will be steered around the park well by their halfbacks, with solid forward packs to work behind. The difference will be made when one of these two players grabs hold of the game to lead their side over the line.

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