Sharks v Roosters preview

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Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Sydney Roosters Saturday 5:30pm at Optus Stadium, Burswood / Whadjuk

The Sharks take momentum west to Perth as the Roosters return from the bye, aiming to steady their season in a crucial Round 6 clash.

Cronulla will be chasing a third straight win over the Sydney Roosters when the two sides meet in Perth on Saturday evening, with Optus Stadium again hosting a fixture that has become a regular feature of the NRL's west coast calendar. The Sharks enter Round 6 sitting sixth on the ladder after a strong opening month, while the Roosters are hovering just outside the eight in tenth and looking to build momentum through a demanding upcoming stretch. With both sides still shaping their early-season identities, the clash looms as an important litmus test under lights in Western Australia.

Cronulla produced one of their most complete attacking displays of the season in last week's 36-22 victory over the Warriors, crossing six times in a high-tempo performance at Ocean Protect Stadium. Will Kennedy's first-half double set the tone, while KL Iro continued his impressive emergence with 163 running metres, a try and eight tackle breaks. The Sharks dominated key attacking indicators with nine line breaks to three and 45 tackle busts, and their left-edge combinations again proved difficult to contain as Nicho Hynes steered the contest with authority.

The Sharks have been forced into a reshuffle in the centres after Jesse Ramien suffered a knee injury, with Mawene Hiroti named as his replacement. There is also some concern around Tom Hazleton after he picked up a knee complaint against the Warriors, though he has been named to play. Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha joins the extended bench as Craig Fitzgibbon's side looks to maintain continuity while covering a few key absences.

The Roosters return from a Round 5 bye after a confidence-boosting 32-16 win over Manly in what proved to be Anthony Seibold's final match in charge. The Tricolours were clinical in difficult conditions at 4 Pines Park, completing an outstanding 51 of 53 sets and finishing with over 2000 running metres. Daly Cherry-Evans played a leading role with a try assist, two line break assists and 530 kick metres, while James Tedesco (218 metres), Nat Butcher (201 metres) and Rob Toia, who scored twice, all made strong contributions.

Trent Robinson's side receives a timely boost for the trip west with Spencer Leniu, Victor Radley and Egan Butcher all returning to the squad. However, Billy Smith's knee injury opens the door for Hugo Savala to slot into the centres. The returning middle forwards should add punch through the middle third, an area the Roosters will need to control if they are to blunt Cronulla's attacking rhythm.

Last meeting: Finals Week 1 2025 - Sharks 20 Roosters 10

Who to watch: KL Iro was electric against the Warriors and continues to grow in confidence each week. His running threat and ability to break tackles could prove decisive again on the wide edges.

Victor Radley returns after serving a club sanction and shapes as a key figure through the middle. His energy and competitiveness often set the tone for the Roosters, for better or worse.

Favourite: There's very little in this one, but the Roosters are slight favourites at the time of Team List Tuesday going live.

MY TIP: Cronulla appear to be building nicely into the season with combinations settling and confidence growing across the park. The Roosters have quality on paper and will benefit from key inclusions, but the travel to Perth and the Sharks' recent attacking form tip the balance slightly in Cronulla's favour. Cronulla by 14.

1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. KL Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Briton Nikora 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Riley Jones

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Hugo Savala 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Tommy Talau

Referees: Todd Smith; Sideline Officials: Belinda Sharpe, Daniel Schwass; Video Referees: Adam Gee;