The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks finished in ninth place last season, missing out on the finals for the first time since 2014.
They’ve put that one-season finals drought behind them, though, holding a firm grasp on a top four position heading into round 23 play.
The Manly Sea Eagles know how the Sharks felt last year, as they are in a similar fate in 2022. Manly is in 10th place on the ladder, technically still alive, but the eighth-seeded Roosters can clinch the eighth spot with one win over their last three matches.
Manly would also have to jump the Raiders, so for all intents and purposes, the Sea Eagles are just playing for pride in Saturday’s rugby picks.
NRL Scoreboard Record
Manly sure hasn’t done themselves any favors for a team that was trying to break into the top eight, losers of four straight matches.
Defeats Against the Best of Competition
We’re not talking about defeats against the best of competition either, as two of those recent losses came against the #15 Titans and #11 Dragons.
The 44-24 loss to #15 Gold Coast last weekend shows that the Sea Eagles may have waved the white flag on this season.
The Titans were in last place on the ladder coming into that match, and their 44 points were the most scored in club history.
Gold Coast hadn’t notched more than 28 points in any of their previous 20 contests in 2022. While the Sea Eagles season is winding down, this week’s rugby schedule is the start of what Cronulla hopes is a long finals stint.
Grand Final Contender
The Sharks have emerged as a dark horse Grand Final contender, currently tied with North Queensland in second place behind Penrith.
Cronulla’s only loss in their last nine matches came against the top-ranked Panthers 20-10 on July 23rd. Since then, the Sharks have rattled off three straight victories, including breezing through the last place Wests Tigers 36-12 last Saturday.
The Sharks were able to take care of business at home against Manly earlier this season, beating them 34-22 on April 21st.
Overall though, this had been the Sea Eagles’ series, winning 12 of the last 15 head-to-head games. Cronulla won 40-22 in 2020, and then Manly was on top by that same score in 2021.
Manly vs. Cronulla Betting Analysis
It’s no surprise that the Sharks are -11.5 favorites for betting on rugby in round 23 play. Cronulla is trying to hold on to a top-four position, while Manly appears to have shut things down for this season based on their poor defensive effort against Gold Coast last weekend.
The Sharks were on the road last week and came back with a 24-point win over Wests Tigers, so there’s no reason to think they can’t cover the -11.5 on Saturday.
They did win by just 12 in Sydney earlier this season, but Manly had a lot more to play for – and was healthier – back then.
Higher Scoring
Matches for the Sea Eagles vs. Sharks betting predictions are usually on the higher scoring side of things, which is why the 49.5 total looks like a solid play on the over. Five of the last seven head-to-head games have seen at least 56 points scored in total.
Manly Down a Couple
Jason Saab and Jake Trbojevic are both out this week for the Sea Eagles, making an already tough upset that much harder.
One thing that does make Manly dangerous when betting on rugby this week is that Des Hasler is basically coaching for his job, meaning he’ll likely pull out all the stops to get the victory.
Cronulla With a Favorable Draw
One thing that could make the Sharks a dangerous round 23 rugby betting pick this weekend is complacency.
They have a top four position essentially in the bag even with a slip-up against Manly as their final two opponents of the regular season are the Bulldogs and Knights – both bottom five clubs.
Manly vs. Cronulla Betting Preview
The -11.5 point spread seems fair for this match, as Manly laid an egg against Gold Coast last weekend and doesn’t appear to have much fight left in the season.
The Sea Eagles losing two top players for the remainder of the season doesn’t help their cause much either.
Manly vs. Cronulla Betting Prediction
The Sharks want to tally this win and officially lock up a top-four position. They can then rest up and coast through two lower-tier opponents in the last two matches and be fully ready for the finals. Take Cronulla -8.5.
NRL Pick: Sharks -8.5 (1.83)
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.