Newcastle Knights vs Cronulla Sharks prediction and odds: NRL 2023 Round 26

Plenty is on the line in almost every match at this stage of the NRL, and that’s true as the Newcastle Knights host the Cronulla Sharks at the McDonald Jones Stadium to round out Round 26 this weekend. With the Knights looking to secure a top eight finish, and the Sharks jostling for position, what will this match deliver? Read on for our Knights vs Sharks predictions.

Newcastle Knights vs Cronulla Sharks – Match Predictions

With these two teams both sitting inside the top eight of the NRL ladder, there’s plenty on the line in this match. Here are our top predictions ahead of the Knights vs Sharks this Saturday:

Newcastle Knights to Win by 1-12 @ 2.75 (7/4)

Both of these sides are undefeated since they last played the Panthers, meaning the Sharks are on a three-game winning streak, and the Knights on a seven-game run. One of these streaks will end on Sunday, and we say it’ll be the Sharks’. 

This could well be the match of the round, and there isn’t much in this. We put it down to two things: home ground advantage, and desperation. The Sharks are guaranteed a place in the top eight unless some very unlikely results unfold (Cronulla suffering two heavy losses, then the Cowboys beating the Panthers by a big margin, for example). The Knights, however, are far from secure in their place. Expect them to be the hungrier of the two teams, and clinch a close one here.

Total Match Points Over 44.5 @ 1.83 (5/6)

Across both of these teams’ winning streaks, the lowest total either side has scored is 26 points. With two firing attacks, regardless of what way the result goes, we can expect plenty of points to be put on the board.

Newcastle Knights vs Cronulla Sharks preview

Heading into this match, here’s a look at how both teams’ seasons have gone so far in the NRL 2023:

Newcastle Knights

The Newcastle Knights have been the story of the NRL in recent months, going on a seven-game winning streak to burst into the top eight. However, sitting on 31 points, and with plenty of teams threatening the 32 point mark by the end of next round, the Knights know they’ll need to keep their winning streak alive if they want to head into the final round next week without too much pressure. 

Most recently, Newcastle put the Rabbitohs to the sword 29-10, to bunny-hop them into the top eight. Yes, that pun was intended.

Cronulla Sharks

It’s been a patchy year for the Sharks, but they’ve all but guaranteed they’ll be around for finals footy in a few weeks’ time. From what position in the ladder, however, the next fortnight will decide. Cronulla currently sit fifth with 32 points, and have the ability to finish as high as fourth, or as low as ninth, technically. More likely, they’ll remain in fifth if they win this match and the next, or slip down to seventh or eighth if they drop one or both of their next games.

Last round, Cronulla impressed with a 32-12 win over the Cowboys.

Newcastle Knights vs Cronulla Sharks head to head

This head to head is nice and tight, with Newcastle winning 24 previous matches, and Cronulla claiming 21 games. The Sharks had the better of their most recent encounter, winning 26-6 in May 2023.

• Date and time: Sunday 27 August, 7:00am GMT
• Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Australia
• How to watch: Sky Sports