Round 18 of the NRL sees an embattled Brisbane Broncos host the Cronulla Sharks at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday evening.
Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks
The Broncos have all but kissed their title defence goodbye, with a seven-match losing streak relegating them to 13th on the table.
Their most recent defeat was an improved effort, leading the Roosters at half-time only to fall 24-18.
For the Sharks, they come into this clash off the back of a bye, before which they also lost to the Roosters. They're tracking much better in 2026, sitting eighth with eight wins from 14.
Both sides have a raft of Origin absentees, with Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan out for Brisbane and Cronulla sans Addin Fonua-Blake and Briton Nikora.
Leg 1 - Broncos +6.5
Brisbane may be languishing low on the table, but they won't keep losing forever.
This is a head-to-head they've historically dominated, winning 10 of their last 13. Broncos vs Sharks matches are typically tight too, with only one 10+ margin in the past decade.
Backing the Broncos to win outright is a risk, but they should cover the +6.5 spread at a minimum.
Leg 2 - Second Half Highest Scoring
Reshuffled sides usually take time to gel, and both teams have significant changes to their attacks courtesy of next week's Origin.
Expect this one to be scrappy initially, before the points begin flowing in the second half.
Leg 3 - Ronaldo Mulitalo to Score
Mulitalo has only been back from injury for five games, yet he's already picked up five tries in 2026.
The Sharks' winger is a clinical finisher and should see ample opportunity against a Brisbane defence that's leaked 413 points already this season.
Same Game Multi
Broncos +6.5 / Second Half Highest Scoring / Mulitalo to Score = $6.50
Value Bet
This column has been tipping the Broncos to break their drought for weeks now, and the same reasoning stands.
Despite poor form, they're a quality side that will eventually put it together.
Given their rough run, there's excellent value on Brisbane putting a few points on Cronulla in front of a home crowd.
