NRL Match Preview: Round 5 v Warriors

Author: Troy Whittaker Sharks Media
Timestamp: Thu 2 Apr 2026, 12:13 PM

The resurgent Sharks will embark on an Easter hunt for back-to-back victories when they host the high-flying New Zealand Warriors at Ocean Protect Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

After arresting a two-game slide with an impressive display against the Raiders, Cronulla (2-2) are tasked with toppling the second-placed Warriors (3-1).

NRL Game Day Guide: Round 5 v Warriors

The Andrew Webster-coached side sprung out of the blocks with three wins on the trot before falling to the Wests Tigers at home in a Round 4 upset.

Having been outgunned by the Warriors on home soil for the past three seasons, the Sharks will be eager to turn the tide in front of a passionate crowd.

Round 5 Media: Tom Hazelton

"They've got strike all over the park," Cronulla prop Tom Hazelton said.

"We're going to have to put up a really good defensive performance on Sunday.

"Last time we stepped out here (38-10 loss to the Dolphins in Round 3), it didn't go to plan and we performed poorly. We have a lot of loyal fans that come out and support us and we'll be looking to turn that around this weekend.

"But the Warriors are very dangerous, so we're going to have to be at our best."

Bench forward Sifa Talakai is also hellbent on defending Ocean Protect Stadium, where the Sharks haven't lost consecutive games since mid-2024.

"We want to win pretty much all our home games because it is our fortress here. We'll definitely put our best foot forward for our home crowd," he said.

"We're happy (with the start to the season), but we're not satisfied just yet.

"There's still a job to do."

Round 5 Media: Siosifa Talakai

The stats say it's crucial for the Sharks to come out swinging – they've won 17 of 18 games when leading at half-time but just two of 13 when level or trailing.

The first try may well set the tone for the day – Cronulla have won 14 of their past 16 matches after crossing the line first but only five of 15 when they haven't.

Coach Craig Fitzgibbon has retained the same squad that defeated Canberra, sticking with Toby Rudolf in the starting front row and Hazelton on the interchange. Kiwi international edge forward Briton Nikora (broken nose) is a chance to return after a week on the sideline after being included on the reserves list.

Meanwhile, the Warriors have copped a big blow with inspirational prop Mitch Barnett ruled out with a broken thumb. Demitric Vaimauga has replaced the Warriors co-captain on the bench in the only notable change for the visitors.

Kick-off is at 2pm. CLICK HERE to secure tickets for an Easter Sunday extravaganza, complete with a visit from the Easter Bunny and giveaways!

See the squads below.

Round 5 - Round 5 - Sunday 5 Apr

4:00 am

Sharks

Warriors

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy

Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Taine Tuaupiki
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa

Winger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien

Centre for Warriors is number 3 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Centre for Sharks is number 4 KL Iro

Centre for Warriors is number 4 Adam Pompey
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Samuel Stonestreet

Winger for Warriors is number 5 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall

Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Luke Metcalf
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes

Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Tanah Boyd

Forwards

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake

Prop for Warriors is number 8 James Fisher-Harris
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey

Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Toby Rudolf

Prop for Warriors is number 10 Jackson Ford
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Billy Burns

2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Leka Halasima
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton

2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Jacob Laban
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Jesse Colquhoun

Lock for Warriors is number 13 Erin Clark

Interchange

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Siosifa Talakai

Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Sam Healey
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Thomas Hazelton

Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Marata Niukore
Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Oregon Kaufusi

Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Demitric Vaimauga
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Braden Uele

Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Tanner Stowers-Smith
Interchange for Sharks is number 18 Mawene Hiroti

Interchange for Warriors is number 18 Chanel Harris-Tavita
Interchange for Sharks is number 19 Hohepa Puru

Interchange for Warriors is number 20 Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Reserves

Reserve for Sharks is number 20 Jayden Berrell

Reserve for Warriors is number 21 Morgan Gannon
Reserve for Sharks is number 21 Michael Gabrael

Reserve for Warriors is number 22 Alofiana Khan-Pereira
Reserve for Sharks is number 22 Briton Nikora

Reserve for Warriors is number 23 Ali Leiataua