NRL Round 8 preview: Tigers v Sharks betting tips

Best bets for Tigers v Sharks

NRL Round 8: Wests Tigers v Cronulla Sharks preview

Leichhardt Oval plays host to a classic Sydney Sunday clash as the Wests Tigers and Cronulla Sharks lock horns.

The Tigers return home trying to steady the ship after a turbulent fortnight, while the Sharks aim to solidify their top-eight spot with back-to-back wins. Conditions are expected to be a little wet, which could test the Tigers’ defence that’s been leaking points in recent weeks.

The Wests Tigers are battling a familiar storyline with off-field distractions creeping back into their game, conceding 38 points to the Eels last week.

Despite bringing Lachlan Galvin back to partner Jarome Luai in the halves, their defence remains a major concern, allowing over 28 points per game across their last four.

Returning to Leichhardt Oval gives them hope, but their record against Cronulla is bleak, with five losses from their past six meetings with the top NRL betting sites pricing them as $2.80 outsiders.

The Sharks haven’t exactly been ruthless but have ground out wins over Manly and Newcastle to climb back into finals contention.

Nicho Hynes and William Kennedy continue to control proceedings, while Mawene Hiroti has emerged as a reliable try-scoring threat on the edge.

Cronulla’s big pack is expected to dominate territory, and they look well-placed to pull clear in the second half against a vulnerable Tigers outfit as the $1.45 bookmaker favourites.

Tigers v Sharks Rd 8 team news

Wests Tigers

1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Adam Doueihi
4. Starford To’a
5. Brent Naden
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Jarome Luai
8. Terrell May
9. Apisai Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Alex Seyfarth
13. Alex Twal
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Royce Hunt
16. Jack Bird
17. Sione Fainu

Lachlan Galvin recalled at five-eighth. Adam Doueihi moves back to centre, Brent Naden to the wing.

Cronulla Sharks

1. William Kennedy
2. Samuel Stonestreet
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Mawene Hiroti
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicholas Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Daniel Atkinson
15. Siosifa Talakai
16. Tuku Hau Tapuha
17. Thomas Hazelton

Tuku Hau Tapuha joins the bench, replacing injured prop Toby Rudolf. Braden Hamlin-Uele named in the reserves.

Tigers v Sharks Round 8 betting predictions

The Sharks have too much strike power across the park and are facing a Tigers defence that’s been leaking tries for fun. Cronulla have covered big lines easily when winning recently and should dominate late with their forward rotation. Wet conditions may slow things early, but class should prevail in a comfortable second-half blowout, with the Sharks winning by 13 points, looking like the top bet at $2.50 with BetOnline.

Mawene Hiroti has crossed for a try in three straight games and now faces a Tigers edge defence that’s conceded plenty in recent weeks. With the Sharks expected to dominate territory and Hynes pulling the strings, Hiroti looks well placed to score again. He’s flying under the radar but is in superb finishing form and offers great value with BetOnline.

Despite the chance of rain, both teams have been involved in high-scoring games lately and attack should take precedence over defence. The Sharks have been clinical at finishing opportunities, and the Tigers still have enough attacking flair to pinch a couple of tries. With both sides struggling to consistently defend their lines, the over is the smart play here with BetOnline.

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