📰 NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Sharks RD22, 2026

The South Sydney Rabbitohs head to Sharks Stadium this Sunday afternoon for a crucial round 22 clash against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm (AEST).

Fresh from an impressive 28-26 victory over the Melbourne Storm, the Rabbitohs will be looking to continue their momentum as the race towards the finals intensifies. Wayne Bennett's men sit sixth on the ladder with 10 wins from 18 matches and know another victory would further strengthen their position inside the top eight.

The Rabbitohs have shown throughout the 2026 season they can match it with the competition's best, and Sunday's trip to the Shire presents another opportunity to make a statement against one of the competition's form sides.

Cronulla enter the clash in strong form, having won their past four matches to climb into the top four. The Sharks boast plenty of strike across the park through halves Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall, while Addin Fonua-Blake has continued to lead the way up front and Blayke Brailey provides plenty of spark from dummy-half.

Team Changes

Wayne Bennett has made minimal changes to the side that defeated Melbourne, with Sean Keppie added to the interchange bench in jersey 17. Edward Kosi has been named in the extended squad wearing jersey 19, while Tallis Duncan and Adam Elliott have been included in the reserves. Bronson Garlick is the only player to drop out of the 17 after featuring against the Storm.

Matthew Dufty retains his place at fullback, with Campbell Graham lining up on the wing and Jack Wighton partnering Latrell Siegwalt in the centres. Ashton Ward and Cody Walker continue their combination in the halves, while Cameron Murray leads the side from lock alongside a forward pack featuring Keaon Koloamatangi, David Fifita and Euan Aitken.

Cronulla have named a largely unchanged side, with Thomas Hazelton returning in the front row. Jayden Berrell has been added to the extended interchange, while Braden Uele, Samuel Stonestreet and Niwhai Puru have been named in the reserves.

Recent Meeting

The Rabbitohs were impressive when the two sides met in round 10 this season, running out convincing 36-12 winners.

Match Details

Fixture: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Date: Sunday 2 August

Kick-off: 2:00pm (AEST)

Venue: Sharks Stadium

Broadcast: Live on Foxtel and Kayo