Fixture Details
Match: Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks
Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM (AEST)
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
This Sunday afternoon, Suncorp Stadium will host an exciting NRL clash between the Brisbane Broncos and the Cronulla Sharks, with both teams aiming to string together consecutive wins. As the season progresses into a crucial stretch, this fixture takes on additional significance, with both sides needing to solidify their positions on the ladder.
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Match Overview and Team Outlooks
The Brisbane Broncos are seeking a much-needed resurgence after a challenging run of form. Having managed only two wins from their last eight appearances, the Broncos are desperate to build momentum and move up the standings. Their recent form hasn’t lived up to expectations, but last round’s victory over the Gold Coast Titans has offered a glimmer of hope. In that game, Brisbane showed attacking promise and finally broke a four-game losing streak in emphatic fashion, dominating the Titans 44-14. Most notably, they put up 28 points in just the first half – an attacking display that exceeded the total points they managed in their previous four matches combined. That explosive showing before the bye week may serve as a much-needed turning point.
On the other hand, the Cronulla Sharks are also aiming to maintain their place among the top contenders. While they haven’t quite hit top gear in recent weeks, they’ve continued to collect wins and currently sit with eight victories under their belt this season. Their last game against the St George Illawarra Dragons was a tale of two halves. Despite trailing 18-6 at the break, a fired-up Sharks outfit returned for the second half and shut out the Dragons 24-0, ultimately winning 30-18. That comeback was a testament to the Sharks’ resilience and determination, even if it didn’t reflect their best football overall.
As the race for the top four intensifies, Cronulla knows the importance of banking points—even in matches where their execution isn’t flawless. With several contenders hot on their heels, every win is vital for maintaining their position among the NRL’s elite teams. Brisbane, meanwhile, sees this as an opportunity not just for redemption but also for climbing past the Sharks on the table if results go their way.
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**Head-to-Head History**
In terms of recent meetings between these two clubs, the Broncos have had the upper hand, winning three out of the last five encounters. However, the most recent matchup, played in June 2024, saw the Sharks come out on top with a 22-12 victory over Brisbane. The Broncos won the previous encounter in 2023 by a narrow 20-12 margin, and they also emerged victorious in their 2022 clash, which ended 16-7. In 2021, however, the sides traded wins—Cronulla claiming a 24-16 result in August, while Brisbane edged them 26-18 in July.
These past results suggest that the two teams are relatively evenly matched, often producing tightly contested battles. While the Broncos have found more recent success in head-to-head play, the Sharks have proven they can beat Brisbane on their home turf, making this game a compelling matchup with no clear-cut favorite.
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Form Guide: Recent Results
Brisbane Broncos (Last Five Games: LLLLW)
Round 14: Defeated Titans 44-14
Round 13: Lost to Sea Eagles 34-6
Round 11: Lost to Dragons 30-26
Round 10: Lost to Rabbitohs 22-14
Round 9: Lost to Panthers 32-8
The Broncos have clearly struggled for consistency. After enduring a tough stretch that included four straight defeats, their commanding win over the Titans may be a sign of a shift in form. However, they’ll need to replicate that performance against stronger opposition to be taken seriously as finals contenders again.
Cronulla Sharks (Last Five Games: WWLLW)
Round 15: Defeated Dragons 30-18
Round 14: Lost to Warriors 40-10
Round 12: Lost to Roosters 42-16
Round 11: Defeated Storm 31-26
Round 10: Defeated Sea Eagles 30-14
The Sharks have had a mixed bag in recent rounds. Their big losses to the Roosters and Warriors raised questions about their defensive stability, but bounce-back wins against the Dragons, Storm, and Sea Eagles have kept them afloat in the top tier. Cronulla’s ability to stage second-half comebacks and close out tight matches will be tested again at Suncorp.
Key Talking Points Ahead of the Clash
1. Broncos’ Offensive Revival
After a long drought in attack, the Broncos’ 28-point first-half explosion against the Titans may be a sign that their playmakers are regaining confidence. Can they replicate that firepower against a tougher opponent?
Although they’ve won three of their last five, the Sharks have looked vulnerable defensively, conceding 40 points against the Warriors and 42 against the Roosters. The question remains: can they tighten up when it matters most?
3. Mid-Season Momentum Shift
Both teams will be eager to find consistency heading into the second half of the season. A win here could be the catalyst for a strong run to the finals, while a loss could see either side begin to slip behind.
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Final Prediction
Despite Brisbane’s recent win and home advantage, the Sharks have shown more consistency overall. Their ability to claw back from behind and close games strongly gives them an edge, particularly if the Broncos fail to maintain their first-half intensity over the full 80 minutes.
Prediction: Cronulla Sharks to win by 8 points
