Wests Tigers vs Cronulla Sharks Prediction: Sharks will be unstoppable

The last game on NRL Super Saturday features the Tigers returning to their beloved home ground to take on the Sharks. The Tigers will look to their home fans to provide the extra boost they need after a disappointing showing last week. However, the Sharks have displayed maturity and consistency this season, indicating that it will take a significant effort to derail their momentum.

The Wests Tigers entered the 2024 season with optimism but faced a tough challenge with an away game against Canberra to kick off their campaign. Despite staying competitive for much of the first half, they let slip two late tries, trailing 24-12 at halftime. However, they couldn't keep up with their opponents in the second half, failing to score and exposing their weaknesses. With only 45% possession, they struggled to assert themselves in the match. Defensively, they were outplayed, conceding an average of 9.8 meters per carry, allowing 693 meters per carry, and missing 36 tackles, which ultimately contributed to their defeat.

The Cronulla Sharks faced no significant challenges in their 25-6 victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs. Despite a closely contested first half where the scores were tied at 6-all at halftime, the Sharks elevated their game to another level in the second half. They showcased impressive ball control, conceding few opportunities with a 55% share of possession and an 83% completion rate. Their dominance was evident in their ability to make 1,930 meters, average 673 meters per carry, and create 7 line breaks. Particularly noteworthy is their adeptness at shifting the ball across different areas of the field, often capitalizing on momentum generated through their strong performance in the middle of the field.

The strong recommendation here is for the Cronulla Sharks to surpass their team total of 28.5 points, a feat they have accomplished in four consecutive games against the Wests Tigers. Given the recent defensive struggles, I anticipate the Wests Tigers conceding a couple of tries, which should propel the Sharks towards meeting or exceeding the total.