Rugby League

2025-07-18 - Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters

A Sports Betting Pick by Stu

Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters
Rugby League : Australia : NRL Season 2025
Friday 18th July 2025 - KO 1800 AEST

Cronulla Sharks

The Sharks, playing at home, enter the match as slight favourites. Their performances at PointsBet Stadium have consistently demonstrated a level of defensive discipline and tactical cohesion that makes them difficult to break down. With a strong home record and a passionate local crowd behind them, Cronulla will look to assert dominance early.

Their attacking threats, particularly through winger Sione Katoa, offer genuine strike power. Katoa’s try-scoring ability reflected in his high probability to cross the line first or at any time, adds a layer of potency to Cronulla’s game plan and a great betting opportunity too.

Cronulla have slipped their way down the leaderboard after a great opening to the season and are now placed 9th, 9-8 and need to pick their form up to make the finals this season.

Cronullas recent form has been inconsistent, and while they are priced as favourites in head-to-head markets, this may reflect an overvaluation. The Sharks have not performed well in tight contests, Cronulla has occasionally struggled to close out games, a concern that could be magnified against a team as clinical as the Roosters.

Cronulla Sharks Team changes – no changes named to the 17.

Sydney Roosters

On the other side of the ledger, the Sydney Roosters arrive with a quiet confidence and a statistical edge. Despite being priced as underdogs, hovering around the low $2 mark, the Roosters boast a superior power ranking and a more balanced attacking profile.

Their ability to score points consistently and adapt to different game scenarios makes them a dangerous opponent, particularly when underestimated. The Roosters value in the betting market is underscored by the fact that this matchup is, by most analytical measures, a near coin-flip.

Sydney are placed nicely as we approach the finals in 2025, currently sitting 8th on an 8-8 record and have used all 3 byes, so will play every match until the end of the season with no breaks.

Yet, the Roosters face their own challenges. Playing away from home against a defensively sound opponent is never easy, and PointsBet Stadium has proven to be a fortress for Cronulla. The Roosters will need to overcome the psychological pressure of performing in a hostile environment. Their success will hinge on maintaining composure and executing their game plan with precision against Cronulla who finally hit their straps last weekend.

Sydney Roosters Team news – Chad Townsend replaces the injured Hugo Savala at halfback.

Odds

The home team Sharks will start as slight favourites, $1.72 to $2.15, the line is 2.5 points and combined points 46.5

The Betting Verdict

As the NRL season enters its critical final stretch with just 7 rounds to go, round 20 presents a compelling fixture between two of the competition’s in form clubs, Cronulla Sharks and Sydney Roosters. Set to take place under the Friday night lights at PointsBet Stadium, this clash is more than just a battle for premiership points—it is a litmus test for finals readiness and a tantalising betting opportunity for value in a tightly contested market.

Overall H2H is in favour of the visitors, 18-29 with 1 draw from the 48 matches played. These teams have met once already this season, Sydney crushing the Sharks in a high scoring affair 42-16, 7 tries to 3. The venue stats are even, with 58% for the Sharks, and 14-10 for 58% for Sydney.

From a betting perspective, this match offers intriguing possibilities. While the Sharks are favourites, the Roosters present the more attractive value proposition and arguably better form. Backing the Roosters head-to-head at over $2 offers upside in a match that could easily swing either way. For those seeking a more conservative approach, the Roosters +2.5 line bet at $1.90 provides a buffer in what is expected to be a tightly contested affair.

Additionally, with both teams boasting strong defensive records and finals-like intensity expected, betting on the total points to go under 46.5 at $1.91 could also be a prudent move.

While Cronulla’s home advantage and defensive structure make them a formidable opponent, the Sydney Roosters statistical edge and market value make them the smarter betting play. This clash promises intensity and qualities that make this one of the best matches of the round.