NRL Match Preview: Round 4 v Raiders

Author: Troy Whittaker Sharks Media
Timestamp: Fri 27 Mar 2026, 06:47 PM

A road trip to Canberra presents a golden opportunity for the Sharks to return to form against the Raiders at GIO Stadium on Sunday.

While the nation's capital is considered one of the toughest places to travel in the NRL, Cronulla will carry fond memories into the away clash after an epic victory over the minor premiership-winning Raiders in last year's semi-finals.

The Sharks famously recorded a dominant 32-12 win – a spirited performance they'll hope to replicate after back-to-back losses to the Panthers and Dolphins.

The Raiders also sit outside the top eight at present with a 1-2 record, falling short against the Bulldogs at home last week in a hard-fought defensive match.

While Canberra have historically been somewhat of a bogey team for Cronulla, the Sharks have flipped the script with three wins from their past five meetings.

And there'll be no shortage of motivation for the men from the Shire, who are the first to admit they've been slightly off the pace over the past fortnight.

"It's been a bit of a mixed bag," prop Addin Fonua-Blake said earlier this week.

"We feel like we've strayed away from our brand of footy and we've been punished twice now. We have to prepare well again and get back on the horse."

Fonua-Blake will spearhead the Sharks engine room against a Raiders pack missing spiritual leader Josh Papalii, who is suspended. However, with representative players including Joe Tapine, Corey Horsburgh, Morgan Smithies and Hudson Young still in the mix, Fonua-Blake anticipates an intense contest.

"They've got a team of youngsters coming through that do an outstanding job – just because they lose Papa doesn't mean they're not a danger team," he said.

"We can't think that just because one of their main strike weapons is out that we're going to get an easy game ... I love going there. It brings out the best in us."

Sharks second-rower Billy Burns, fresh off signing a two-year extension to stay put until at least the end of 2028, also expects a fired-up Raiders outfit.

"They play with their heart, they play energetic," Burns said.

"You know what you're going to get.

"They also love to play with a bit of feeling. I dare say last year's semi will be on their mind pretty fresh, so they'll be coming to give it to us.

"It's exciting. It's a good challenge, especially for where we're at and what we need to do with the way they play their footy ... The squad's ready for that."

The Sharks will be without one of their key men with back-rower Briton Nikora sidelined by a broken nose. Teig Wilton, who returned from off-season shoulder surgery via the bench last week, will replace him in the starting side.

Front-rower Tuku Hau Tapuha is the only new face on Cronulla's six-man bench.

Kick-off is at 4.05pm. CLICK HERE to secure a ticket.

The match will be broadcast on 9, 9 Now, Foxtel and Kayo.

See the squads below.

Round 4 - Round 4 - Sunday 29 Mar

5:05 am

Raiders

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Kaeo Weekes

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Savelio Tamale

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Simi Sasagi

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Sebastian Kris

Centre for Sharks is number 4 KL Iro
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier Savage

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Samuel Stonestreet
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Strange

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Ethan Sanders

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes

Forwards

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Morgan Smithies

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Tom Starling

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Thomas Hazelton
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Billy Burns
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Noah Martin

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Corey Horsburgh

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Jesse Colquhoun

Interchange

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Jayden Brailey

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Siosifa Talakai
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Zac Hosking

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Toby Rudolf
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Ata Mariota

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Oregon Kaufusi
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Joe Roddy

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Braden Uele
Interchange for Raiders is number 18 Daine Laurie

Interchange for Sharks is number 18 Hohepa Puru
Interchange for Raiders is number 19 Jed Stuart

Interchange for Sharks is number 19 Tuku Hau Tapuha

Reserves

Reserve for Raiders is number 20 Owen Pattie

Reserve for Sharks is number 20 Chris Vea'ila
Reserve for Raiders is number 21 Matthew Timoko

Reserve for Sharks is number 21 Jayden Berrell
Reserve for Raiders is number 22 Chevy Stewart

Reserve for Sharks is number 22 Mawene Hiroti