Sharks vs Bulldogs Predictions, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
Cronulla Massive Favorites in NRL Round 24
Sharks are Circling
The Cronulla Sharks are eyeing a top-two finish when they face the struggling Canterbury Bulldogs on Saturday.
Rugby odds have the Sharks at skinny odds of -1700 and it doesn’t get much shorter when betting NRL.
Upsets can happen and that’s why we love rugby league action on the weekend.
Let’s review the latest Rugby news, stats, injury reports, and Rugby odds for Sharks vs Bulldogs. We’ve plenty of Rugby picks and predictions for you to consider.
Momentum with Favorites
The Sharks have hit form at the right time with four consecutive wins. They kicked off the winning streak against the Rabbitohs with a gutsy 21-20 victory before beating the Dragons, Tigers and Sea Eagles.
They haven’t faced a strong team since beating South Sydney, and they face another average team in the Bulldogs.
There is a renewed confidence with the favorites, who are -21½ at the sportsbook and that’s a big number to cover. It requires the Sharks to start well and put the Bulldogs to the sword in the first half.
They received a huge boost with regard to hosting a semifinal. If the Sharks can snare the second spot from the Cowboys, they will host.
“The NRL has been reviewing the suitability for Pointsbet Stadium should the Sharks qualify for a home semifinal in week one of the finals,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“This is in line with the approach taken for week-one finals prior to Covid-19. An announcement on all venues for week one will be made once the regular season ladder is determined following Round 25.”
It gives the Sharks extra incentive and it could be all they need.
Doggies Not Barking
After scoring back-to-back wins over the Knights and Titans, it has been slim pickings for the struggling Bulldogs.
They have suffered three consecutive smashings at the hands of the Cowboys, Warriors and Eels, including a 42-6 drubbing last week.
That has prompted betting online markets to give them no respect as +725 underdogs and that’s about where we priced them.
Expectations were high this year, but once again they failed to live up to them. There are only a few points between the Bulldogs and the wooden spoon position, so losing on Saturday leaves them in a vulnerable position.
They have been good enough to cover big spreads at times. However, we question how much they want to win this game given what’s on the line. It will take a big effort for the Bulldogs to turn up thinking they can test the Sharks in enemy waters.
Sharks vs Bulldogs Head-to-Head
The Bulldogs have the historical advantage at 19-16, but the Sharks have won the last two meetings in style.
They won 18-6 earlier this year and 44-24 on the road in 2021. The teams are heading in different directions and the Sharks should close the gap.
Sharks vs Bulldogs Game Information
- Game: Cronulla Sharks (16-6) vs Bulldogs (6-16)
- Location: PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
- Day/Time: Saturday, Aug. 27, 3:30 a.m. ET
- Sharks vs Bulldogs Live Stream: RugbyPass
Sharks vs Bulldogs Betting Lines
| Team | Point Spread | Moneyline | Total |
| Cronulla Sharks | -21½ -135 | -1700 | 50½ -120o |
| Canterbury Bulldogs | +21½ -105 | +725 | 50½ -120u |
Sharks vs Bulldogs Prediction
NRL betting markets have the line about as high as it could go, but we’re still taking the Sharks -21½.
Local Australian bookmakers have the line a point higher, so we’re getting a value spread betting line and it’s worth snapping up.
There is no reason to bet on the Bulldogs with any confidence given their recent history. They have seemingly given up, so back the team heading toward the playoffs with wind underneath their sails.
