NRL: Stakes are high in big derby clash

St George/Illawarra Dragons are in need of a win to boost their top-eight hopes when they entertain the Cronulla Sharks on Sunday.

There is added spice heading into the big derby clash as both sides have plenty to play for.

A spot in the eight is on the line for the Dragons, while the Sharks are looking to stay in the top four at the very least.

The top two is still in sight for the Sharks, so lovers of NRL could be in for a treat as these two sides go head-to-head in Wollongong.

There are just two rounds of the regular season remaining after this one, so the stakes are high as we approach the business end of the season.

. What: St George/Illawarra Dragons v Cronulla Sharks
. Where: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
. When: 16:05 (AEST), Sunday 25th August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9
. Odds: St George/Illawarra Dragons 2.25, Cronulla Sharks 1.65

Dragons eye finals return

The Dragons have not played finals since 2018 but they have a great chance to snap that drought if they can hold their nerve.

The Red V have taken great strides under the guidance of new head coach Shane Flanagan, and a place in finals will be the icing on the cake.

A comfortable 32-16 win over the Gold Coast Titans last week helped them return to the eight and they now need to back it up against the Sharks.

They will fancy their chances at WIN Stadium, which has become a fortress for them this season with four wins out of the last five.

It is their last appearance in Wollongong this season so they will be keen to send the supporters home happy.

There is every chance it will be a close encounter, and the Dragons can be backed 3.50 to win by 1-12 points.

Zac Lomax also loves playing at WIN Stadium, scoring eight tries in as many matches at the venue.

The winger can be backed at 8.50 to grab the first try of the game.

Fellow winger Christian Tuipulotu is also bang in form with seven tries in the last seven games, and is 2.10 to grab another at anytime.

Sharks looking strong

Cronulla snatched a golden-point win over Newcastle last weekend, and such is the tight nature of the NRL ladder, the wins need to keep coming.

The Sharks could still make the top two, but they could also slip out of the top four if they were to hit a losing streak.

They have a great record against Dragons when winning the last eight games against them, but the Red V are a different animal this season.

Craig Fitzgibbon’s side will also have to do it without the services star winger Ronaldo Mulitalo, who is missing with a knee injury.

He will be replaced by Mawene Hiroti, who is priced at 2.10 to grab a try at anytime.

Fullback William Kennedy, who has scored six tries in seven games against the Dragons, is better value at 2.85.

Cronulla can be backed at 3.25 to keep their good run going against the Dragons with a victory by 13+ points.