Broncos vs Sharks Clash: Epic 2025 NRL Showdown – Who Will Dominate This High-Stakes Regular Season Battle? Preview & Prediction!
Date and Time: Sunday, June 22, 2025 – 5:00 AM (BST)
Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
TV Coverage:
UK: Sky Sports
Australia: Foxtel
US: Selected matches on Fox Sports
Streaming Options:
UK: Sky Go, Watch NRL
Australia: Kayo Sports
US: Watch NRL and Fox Sports streaming platforms (if match is televised)
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Overview:
This Sunday, Suncorp Stadium will host a crucial NRL clash between two top-eight sides aiming to solidify their finals credentials: the Brisbane Broncos and Cronulla Sharks. Both teams are currently positioned in the playoff zone and come into this matchup with something to prove as the regular season intensifies.
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Team News – Brisbane Broncos:
The Broncos welcome back several key players for this important fixture. Star forwards Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan are expected to return after representing Queensland in the recent State of Origin clash. Their presence adds significant power and leadership to the forward pack.
Jack Gosiewski is also back in action following injury, which strengthens their bench rotation. Additionally, Selwyn Cobbo is named among the reserves and could be a late inclusion depending on final team decisions.
Brisbane Broncos squad:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Josiah Karapani
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds (c)
8. Corey Jensen
9. Cory Paix
10. Payne Haas
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Billy Walters
15. Kobe Hetherington
16. Xavier Willison
17. Jack Gosiewski
18. Tyson Smoothy
19. Deine Mariner
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Team News – Cronulla Sharks:
Cronulla will field a largely unchanged team from their previous win, with only one enforced change due to injury. Siosifa Talakai moves into the centres to replace Mawene Hiroti, who is unavailable. This shift doesn’t significantly alter the core of the team, as their playmaking spine – including star half Nicho Hynes – remains intact.
Cronulla Sharks squad:
1. William Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Siosifa Talakai
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Braden Hamlin-Uele
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Daniel Atkinson
15. Jesse Colquhoun
16. Toby Rudolf
17. Hohepa Puru
18. Billy Burns
19. Jayden Berrell
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Form Guide & Key Players:
Brisbane comes into this round placed 7th on the ladder and is looking to continue the momentum from their last match – a dominant 44-14 win over the Gold Coast Titans in Round 14. The victory broke a slump in which they had lost four out of five games, and the bye in Round 15 has given their Origin players time to recover.
Reece Walsh, one of Brisbane’s most dangerous attacking threats, has delivered 6 try assists in just 8 matches this year. His speed and creativity make him a constant threat, especially when linking with halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds.
Meanwhile, Cronulla currently sit 5th and are looking to establish consistency after recent fluctuations in form. They rebounded from back-to-back heavy losses with a solid 30-18 victory against the Dragons in Round 15. That performance showed renewed resolve, particularly in defence, after shipping a worrying 82 points across the two prior defeats.
Nicho Hynes remains the cornerstone of Cronulla’s attack. The dynamic halfback is second in the league for try assists (13) and leads the competition in line break assists (18). When he is in form, the Sharks tend to follow suit.
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Head-to-Head Record:
Historically, the Broncos have had the upper hand in this rivalry, winning 28 of the 46 encounters. At their home ground, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane has claimed victory in 12 of the 19 clashes against Cronulla. However, the last time these two met at this venue, the Sharks secured a 10-point win during Round 14 of the 2024 season, showing that they can get the job done in Brisbane.
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Key Storylines to Watch:
State of Origin fatigue: How well Haas and Carrigan recover from the intensity of Origin could impact the Broncos’ physicality in the middle third.
Reece Walsh’s spark: With his combination of speed and vision, Walsh is vital to Brisbane’s chances of breaking down Cronulla’s defence.
Cronulla’s defence under pressure: The Sharks conceded 82 points across Rounds 13 and 14, and although they steadied against the Dragons, the Broncos’ potent attack—particularly at home—could be a tougher challenge.
Battle of the halves: Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam vs Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall shapes up as a high-quality duel that could determine the flow and outcome of the match.
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Prediction:
While both teams are top-eight contenders, the Broncos seem poised for a strong showing at home. Their Origin stars returning fresh from a bye, combined with a solid recent performance against the Titans, sets them up well. Reece Walsh’s playmaking will be crucial, and if the Broncos can dominate early through the middle, they may control the pace of the game.
The Sharks will be competitive, especially with Nicho Hynes orchestrating the attack, but questions remain about their defensive consistency against stronger sides. Brisbane’s superior home record and attacking weapons might just give them the edge in what could be a tight contest.
Tip: Broncos to win in a high-scoring match, but expect a strong fight from Cronulla.
