NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Sharks

Following a nail bitting 14-10 loss to the Bulldogs in round three, the Raiders will be searching for their second win of the season in what is shaping to be a dry and sunny afternoon.

In accordance with the NRL match review committee, Josh Papali’i will miss this weekend’s matchup, with Morgan Smithies being promoted to the starting line-up.

Papali’i’s omittance from the squad gives youngster Joe Roddy an opportunity to make his second NRL appearance, and first in front of a passionate home crowd.

On the other side of the field, Cronulla will also be looking for their second win of the season, coming off a 38-10 defeat against the Dolphins.

The Sharks will be without bustling edge forward Briton Nikora, who has succumbed to a broken nose suffered in last week’s match.

Talking Points:

• Joe Roddy will make his long-awaited home debut, in what will be his second NRL appearance.
• Both teams enter Sunday’s match having suffered back-to-back defeats.

Last Time They Met:

The Cronulla Sharks defeated the Canberra Raiders 32-12 at GIO Stadium in week two of the 2025 finals series.

We’ve got plenty of history with the Sharks, it’s always a good battle through the middle, and yeah I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Corey Horsburgh #357

Key Matchup: Ethan Sanders v Nicholas Hynes

The field general’s headline round four key matchup, as exciting halfbacks Ethan Sanders and Nicholas Hynes go head-to-head

Sanders has demonstrated a mature approach to his first season as the club’s halfback, taking the opportunity in full stride.

While still building his NRL resume, Sanders has proven he is fit for the challenge, icing a field goal in the Raiders round one victory against the Sea Eagles, before coming agonisingly close to stealing victory from the Bulldogs last week.

In Canberra on Sunday afternoon, Sanders will try his hand against seasoned NRL halfback, Nicholas Hynes.

An integral part of Cronulla’s recent success, Hynes has started his fifth season at the Sharks on the front foot, scoring two tries in the opening three weeks.

Hynes exceeds at putting his teammates in space, recording 21 try assists last year, an asset that will be sure to challenge the Raiders defence.

Fans will be closely watching the matchup between one of the games most exciting young halves and a seasoned campaigner, as both playmakers will be hoping to end their team’s losing streaks.