Sunday 7 June 2026 · 4:05 PM AEST · Ocean Protect Stadium
Dragons +11.5 $1.99 · Valentine Holmes anytime tryscorer
Published 2 June 2026 · Odds: Sportsbet · 18+
Odds from Sportsbet. Always confirm current prices before placing.
Ocean Protect Stadium hosts a local derby with the Sharks missing two of their most important players — Nicho Hynes (calf) and Blayke Brailey (arm). That's a massive disruption to Cronulla's spine and structure. Niwhai Puru steps in at halfback with Jayden Berrell debuting at hooker in a key role. Briton Nikora is back from rest after Maroons duty, but the spine disruption matters far more.
The Dragons have settled experience — Clinton Gutherson, Valentine Holmes, Moses Suli, Kyle Flanagan and Damien Cook — and are capable of staying in this game. Hooker Jacob Liddle returns from a hamstring complaint and damaging edge forward Jaydn Su'A is listed in the reserves as he looks to return from a calf injury. Tyrell Sloan drops back to the reserves after an eight-minute cameo last week.
Without Hynes' kicking game the 11.5-point handicap is generous on the road. Valentine Holmes gets the anytime tryscorer pick as the Dragons' strike centre who finishes everything inside the 10.
Sharks: Hynes OUT (calf), Brailey OUT (arm). Puru steps in at halfback, Berrell debuts at hooker. Dragons: Liddle returns from hamstring; Su'A close to return from calf.
Confirmed by NRL.com on Tuesday 2 June 2026. Two players omitted 24 hours out, final 19 confirmed 90 minutes before kickoff.
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