Bulldogs vs Sharks: Match Preview & Prediction

Bulldogs

vs

Sharks

Sat 6 Sep 2025, 12:00

Saturday night at Accor Stadium brings us a great clash between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.

The Bulldogs are locked into third place, no matter what happens, but they’ll want to keep their strong form going into the finals.

For the Sharks, there’s more on the line: a win could help them sneak into the top four if other results go their way.

Canterbury are coming off a 28–4 win over a young Penrith side. Their defense was rock solid, as usual, but their attack still looked a little clunky at times.

Captain Stephen Crichton has been leading from the front, often stepping up at fullback to spark their sets. Coach Cameron Ciraldo has almost his full squad available, with only Jacob Kiraz and Harry Hayes missing for now.

On the other hand, Cronulla, who smashed the Knights 40–16 last week, looks very confident. Addin Fonua-Blake is in top form up front, while Blayke Brailey and Nicho Hynes keep their attack ticking over.

The Sharks are already finals-bound, but it is a chance to test themselves against the best defensive team in the competition.

It’s shaping up as a classic battle of styles: Bulldogs relying on defense and control, while the Sharks will try to open up the game with speed and creativity. Both sides have plenty to prove just a week out from finals.

Prediction for Bulldogs vs Sharks

The Bulldogs are favorites, with data models giving them about a 63% chance of winning. Their defense at home is a big advantage, but the Sharks have the firepower to push them all the way. Expect a close one, with the Bulldogs just edging it 24–20.