Sharks v Panthers NRL Rd 12 preview & betting tips | 25/5/2024

Sharks vs Panthers R12 best bets

Sharks vs Panthers R12 preview

Saturday’s NRL action continues in Cronulla as the league-leading Sharks host the Penrith Panthers in the marquee matchup of round 12.

The Sharks have not suffered defeat since going down 32-6 to the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval in round three. After wins over the Storm and Roosters in the last fortnight, victory against the three-time defending champions would show the NRL that Cronulla have improved to become an genuine premiership threat.

Last weekend, the Panthers suffered a surprising loss at the hands of an aggressive, disciplined Warriors side without some of their biggest stars. Further losses for Penrith could result in a struggle to earn a home semi-final as they search for an unprecedented fourth consecutive premiership.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has dropped Luke Garner for Scott Sorenson in the second row, while Liam Henry will return to the side via the bench in place of Tyrone Peachey.

Meanwhile, Craig Fitzgibbon has named an unchanged Sharks line-up following last week’s win.

Sharks v Panthers Rd 12 team lists

Cronulla Sharks

1. William Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Kayal Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Daniel Atkinson
7. Nicholas Hynes
8. Thomas Hazelton
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Jack Williams
15. Siosifa Talakai
16. Royce Hunt
17. Tuku Hau Tapuha

Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Izack Tago
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Brian To’o
6. Jack Cole
7. Jarome Luai
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Daine Laurie
15. Lindsay Smith
16. Liam Henry
17. Matthew Eisenhuth

Cronulla Sharks v Penrith Panthers betting predictions

The Sharks are unbeaten in seven matches and have covered the line in their last six clashes with top-eight opponents. Interestingly, they have also won each of their last four games against the Panthers in Cronulla by 1-12 points. At $2.80 with PlayUp, there is great value for the home side to win by that margin again.

The total points line for this match is 40.5, which the Sharks have exceeded in four of their last five games. It is a similar story for the Panthers, with three of their last five games going over that mark. With dry conditions predicted for PointsBet Stadium, the over is the play (-111.11).

The Cronulla Sharks have designed attacking plays through hooker Blayke Brailey to shift the defensive line and create time and space for front-rower Thomas Hazelton to crash over the try line. He has been remarkably successful in doing so, scoring in four of Cronulla’s last five games. Look for the home side to set up a similar play again for Hazelton to score this weekend (+250).

Best NRL bookmakers

Neds Code GETON

1

Take It To The Neds Level

Neds

Only orange bookie!

Check Out Neds Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? "GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms.

2

It Pays To Play

PlayUp

Aussie-owned horse racing specialists!

Check Out PlayUp Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms.

Bet365 Signup Code GETON

3

Never Ordinary

Bet365

World Favourite!

Visit Bet365 Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms.

Recommended!

Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING

4

Say Hey to the social bet!

Dabble

You Better Believe It

Join Dabble Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms.

5

Next Gen Racing Betting

pickleBet

Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race.

Join Picklebet Review

18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms.

6

Bet With A Boom

BoomBet

Daily Racing Promotions - Login to view!

Join Boombet Review

18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms.

7

By Players, For Players

UniBet

Unibet offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only

Join Unibet Review

18+. Gamble Responsibly. Chances are you are about to lose. Full terms.

Sports betting tips