Match Preview: Round 16 v Roosters

Author: Sharks Media
Timestamp: Fri 19 Jun 2026, 10:05 PM

Three wins in a row, including last week’s spectacular, yet hard fought 10-8 victory over the Warriors, has the Sharks heading to Allianz Stadium with a level of confidence for what shapes as a crucial game against the Roosters.

What will also send the Sharks into the round 16 clash with some positivity as to their chances is the inclusion of Blayke Brailey and Nicho Hynes, with the pair passed fit to play and named in the run-on side for tomorrow's game.

The Sharks face the Roosters after what was their closest game this season just last week, the narrow win in New Zealand making it four in a row for the Cronulla side, who will be aiming to win five straight for the first time this year.

However another significant challenge awaits in the Roosters, who sit level with the Sharks on 20 competition points, the two clubs with matching eight-win, five-loss records from their 13 matches played in 2026.

While the Sharks do hold a slight edge in games played between the two clubs in recent times, having won four of the past seven games, the Roosters came out on top back in round six when the teams played in Perth, winning 34-22, after the Cronulla team had led 22-6 just before halftime. It was a disappointing result and obviously one the Sharks will be hoping to reverse.

The return of inspirational co-captain and NSW Origin hooker Brailey, after missing only two games with a fractured arm will give team a considerable boost.

“He has no pain, his strength is good, he’s got to tick a few boxes today (Saturday) and hopefully he’ll be good to go,” Coach Craig Fitzgibbon at his Saturday morning press conference.

Since the captains run early on Saturday Brailey's return has been confirmed, so to that of half back Hynes, who missed the last three games with a calf injury.

Addin Fonua Blake and Briton Nikora, both involved in last Wednesday's State of Origin match, will back up and take part in Sunday's game.

In the 106 games played between the two clubs since 1967, the Roosters hold the advantage, having won on 66 occasions, the Sharks 38, with two matches drawn.

At Allianz Stadium the Sharks have a good record of late, winning three of the past four games, with the Roosters winning the last clash in Week 1 of the Finals in 2018.

Getting off to a good start is also vital, with the Sharks winning seven of eight games this season when leading at halftime, coincidently the only loss came against the Roosters in Perth.

They are just one from five when trailing at the break.

In player milestones, Ronaldo Mulitalo (416) needs three points to pass Mitch Healey (418) as his club’s 10th highest points scorer, the Sharks winger also enjoys the match up with the Roosters, having scored eight tries in nine games against them.

The Sharks and Roosters match is the last game of round 16, kicking off at 6.15pm on Sunday at Allianz Stadium.

See below match details and the two 24-hour team lists.

Round 16 - Round 16 - Sunday 21 Jun

Full Time

Roosters

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Tommy Talau

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Billy Smith

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Robert Toia

Centre for Sharks is number 4 KL Iro
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Mark Nawaqanitawase

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Daly Cherry-Evans

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker

Halfback for Sharks is number 22 Nicholas Hynes

Forwards

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Naufahu Whyte

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Reece Robson

Hooker for Sharks is number 21 Blayke Brailey
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Jesse Colquhoun
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Siua Wong

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
2nd Row for Roosters is number 16 Nat Butcher

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes

Interchange

Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor Watson

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Billy Burns
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Spencer Leniu

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Siosifa Talakai
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Salesi Foketi

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Thomas Hazelton
Interchange for Roosters is number 22 Egan Butcher

Interchange for Sharks is number 18 Hohepa Puru

Reserves

Reserve for Roosters is number 18 Rex Bassingthwaighte

Reserve for Sharks is number 15 Oregon Kaufusi
Reserve for Roosters is number 19 Toby Rodwell

Reserve for Sharks is number 19 Mawene Hiroti