Eight teams are now reduced to six and with two resting this weekend, four teams will take centre stage in Week 2 of the NRL Finals series. Following an exhilarating start, the intensity is expected to lift to another level, with action beginning on Saturday as the Roosters host the Sharks. Facing elimination with a loss, neither team will want to end their season with a poor performance here. Two quality teams face off and bring different form lines into this contest. Before You Bet is here to help with a comprehensive look at what is ahead in this match.
Roosters vs Sharks Prediction & Tips: 2026 NRL Semi Final
Roosters Brave in defeat
Few gave the Roosters a chance of competing with the Panthers last week, but they were gallant in their 19-12 defeat. In a gruelling match, the Roosters overcame a 45% share of possession and 73% completion rate to push their opponents over 80 minutes. This saw them make 8.7m per carry and 5 line breaks, continually taking their chances but failing to close out the last part of the match. What went wrong for them was a lack of execution in key moments rather than missing opportunities; they had their chances to build pressure when it mattered. Providing they can recover quickly; they should take confidence from how they performed in that match.
Sharks Back on track
In a confidence building victory, the Sharks defeated the Cowboys 26-16 in an elimination match. The improved performance coincided with the return of Trindall in the halves, changing their attacking structure and giving others confidence. Commanding possession (54%), they had a superior completion rate (82%), made 9.2m per carry, and 618 PCM’s. Continually creating second phase play, they made 5 line breaks also, pressuring their opponents in the middle and striking on the edges. The performance of several key players in the spine was also impressive to watch and should serve them well moving forward.
Stats that matter
- These two sides have met twice this year, with the Roosters prevailing on both occasions. They won the Round 16 meeting 27-8 at this ground, while they captured victory in Perth during Round 6 34-22.
- The Roosters have a 64% record at this ground compared to the Sharks 49%. Interestingly, the home side has won 7 out of the past 10 matches between these two sides.
- In the past 5 matches between these two sides, only 2 have been decided by fewer that 12 points, with the average margin of victory being 16 points. They have been relatively low-scoring affairs, with the average sitting at 45.6 total points with 2 games under 35 total points.
- The Sharks have a great attack this year, averaging 27ppg compared to the Roosters 25ppg. The difference in their defence isn’t much either. The Roosters have the edge though, allowing 20ppg ahead of the Sharks 21ppg.
Fatigue to be a deciding factor
The Roosters are coming off a bruising contest against the Panthers and have a short turnaround heading into this match. This gives a Sharks a chance to perform well but in equal measure, the Roosters are a professional organisation capable of managing it. For the Sharks to win, they must set a relentless intensity throughout this match. It starts with their forwards, hopefully giving the outside backs extra space. Like the earlier point, the Roosters are strong defensively on the edge and will be prepared for this.
The preference still rests with the Roosters; even without the attacking spark of Walker at halfback, they proved last week that points can still come. Tedesco is crucial to this, as are their middle forwards creating second phase play. The fact they also have two wins already over the Sharks signals that their gameplan will be well thought out. Expect this game to only be decided late, with a grinding affair over 80 minutes as each team attempts to gain the ascendency. This brings the line into play and while there is a slight lean towards the Roosters, this is the way to go for an investment in this contest.
Sharks +7.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Roosters vs Sharks Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Roosters Try First Scoring Play – despite not opening the scoring in their past 2 matches, prior to that, the Roosters had scored a try first in every game since Round 16. They like to dictate the terms of matches, and this game should be no different.
Leg 2 = Mulitalo to score – winger like to assert themselves in this contest and both teams have a great selection at their disposal. Mulitalo is the man for the Sharks, scoring 5 tries in his past 5 games against the Roosters.
Leg 3 = Tupou to score – on the other side of things, Tupou will be a threat both in the air and on the ground. His record is 6 tries from his past 5 matches against the Sharks.
Roosters vs Sharks Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday 19th September
Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Time: 7:50pm (AEST)
Odds: Roosters $1.46 vs Sharks $2.75
Line: -7.5
Points: 45.5
Where to Watch Roosters vs Sharks
Watch the Roosters vs Sharks match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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