NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks RD10, 2026

The South Sydney Rabbitohs will host the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Accor Stadium this Saturday evening, with kick-off set for 5:30pm in what shapes as a crucial round ten encounter between two sides jostling for position in the top eight.

Gates open at 4pm for what promises to be a special evening at Accor Stadium, with Saturday's match designated as the Rabbitohs' Junior League Appreciation Round, paying tribute to the thousands of South Sydney junior players, coaches, staff and volunteers who allow kids in the district to play the game they love. A march past will take place at half time, highlighting the Rabbitohs players of the future. Former Rabbitohs and Sharks international Les Davidson will ring the Rabbitohs Legacy Bell as the NRL team takes to the field. Fans arriving early can enjoy Budget Direct's Spin to Win outside Gates J/K, the Ingenia Holiday Parks petting zoo, face painters, and the USANA Try Cards at the marquee. At half time, Ingenia Holiday Parks will be giving away the chance to win $100,000 to one lucky fan via a pedal kart race on the southern end of the field.

The Rabbitohs sit fourth on the ladder with five wins from eight games and a healthy points differential of plus 68, while the Sharks occupy eighth position with four wins from eight matches. A win for South Sydney would consolidate their place inside the top four, making this a significant opportunity for the Red and Green to build on what has been an encouraging start to the season.

South Sydney will be looking to bounce back after a narrow 38-42 loss to the Newcastle Knights in round nine. Prior to that defeat, the Rabbitohs had produced a stunning 48-6 victory over the Melbourne Storm in round eight, followed earlier by a 30-12 win over the St George Illawarra Dragons in round seven. The Club has won three of their last five matches, demonstrating the kind of form that has them well placed in the competition.

Saturday's match is rich with milestones for the Cardinal and Myrtle. Centre Campbell Graham will play his 150th NRL game, all of which have been for South Sydney, since making his NRL debut against the Dragons at the Sydney Cricket Ground in round 22, 2017. It is a wonderful achievement for the loyal one-club player, and his teammates will no doubt be keen to mark the occasion with a victory. Meanwhile, Cody Walker will move into outright fourth on South Sydney's all-time first grade games list this Saturday night, surpassing former teammate Adam Reynolds as he lines up for his 232nd first grade game in Red and Green. Prop Sean Keppie will also celebrate his 50th NRL game in South Sydney colours after making his Club debut in round one, 2024 against his former club, the Sea Eagles.

On the wing, Alex Johnston continues to add to his remarkable all-time NRL try-scoring record, having surpassed Ken Irvine's mark of 212 career tries and now sitting on 221. Johnston will be a constant threat on the left edge as the Rabbitohs look to exploit any defensive frailties in the Sharks' right-side defence.

The head-to-head record between these two sides has favoured the Sharks in recent meetings, with Cronulla winning both encounters in 2025. The Sharks claimed a 14-12 victory at Polytec Stadium in round 21 and a more comprehensive 27-12 win at Ocean Protect Stadium in round three. The Rabbitohs will be determined to turn that ledger around on home soil this weekend.

The Sharks come into this match off the back of a dominant 52-10 win over the Wests Tigers in round nine, but their form has been inconsistent, having also suffered a 34-46 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys in round eight and a 22-34 defeat to the Sydney Roosters in round six. They boast a strong forward pack led by Addin Fonua-Blake and Cameron McInnes, with the halves combination of Braydon Trindall and Nicholas Hynes capable of causing damage. Captain Blayke Brailey will lead the side from hooker.

With several key changes to the Rabbitohs line-up, including a Club NRL debut for Edward Kosi on the wing and the return of Jye Gray at fullback, there is a freshness about this South Sydney side. Cameron Murray will captain the team from lock, and the Red and Green will be looking to use the energy of Junior League Appreciation Round and the support of their Members to secure an important two points and maintain their position in the top four.

Team Changes

Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett has named Edward Kosi to make his Club NRL debut for the Rabbitohs on the wing, having joined the Club this season. Jye Gray has been selected to return at fullback with Matthew Dufty shifting to the interchange bench. Ashton Ward returns at halfback, with Jamie Humphreys moving to the bench. Keaon Koloamatangi will start in the front row, with Junior Tatola moving to the interchange bench, while Euan Aitken returns to start in the second row. Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton and Jayden Sullivan are all out of the squad this week.

For the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Craig Fitzgibbon has named a largely settled squad. Braden Uele, Chris Vea'ila and Niwhai Puru have been added to the extended bench. The Sharks will be led by hooker Blayke Brailey, with their imposing forward pack of Addin Fonua-Blake and Toby Rudolf in the front row and the experienced Cameron McInnes at lock.

Recent Results

Round 21, 2025 – Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 14-12 South Sydney Rabbitohs (Polytec Stadium).

Round 3, 2025 – Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 27-12 South Sydney Rabbitohs (Ocean Protect Stadium).

Match Details and Where To Watch

Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.

Date: Saturday 9 May.

Kick-off: 5:30pm (AEST).

Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney.

Where to Watch: TBC.