Game 1 of Round 18 of the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership on July 11 features the Cronulla Sharks vs The Dolphins at Sharks Stadium on Friday night. Get the latest NRL betting tips, predictions, and analysis right here, and catch the game live on Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9, & 9NOW. 🏉🔥
Cronulla Sharks vs The Dolphins Predictions
Friday, July 11, 2025
8:00pm @ Sharks Stadium, Sydney
Final Score Prediction
Sharks
Dolphins
Friday night football kicks off with an intriguing clash as the Sharks welcome the red-hot Dolphins to the Shire.
While Cronulla enjoy home advantage, our model identifies the visitors as the team to beat in what shapes as a thrilling contest.
The Dolphins’ recent form and superior metrics across the board make them impossible to ignore at the attractive price on offer.
Win Percentages
41.41%
58.59%
The Market Assessment
The bookmakers have this one virtually deadlocked, with the Dolphins installed as marginal favourites at just -0.5 on the line.
Our model sees it similarly close but gives the Dolphins a clear edge to prevail by 5 points.
At $2.20, the Dolphins represent outstanding value for punters willing to back the away team on a Friday night.
The Shire Showdown
Cronulla’s fortress has been less impenetrable this season, and the Dolphins arrive with momentum on their side.
The visitors boast superior attacking metrics and have shown the defensive steel required to grind out victories on the road.
Our confidence level marks this as a “value tip” – the kind of opportunity sharp punters live for.
Head-to-Head Analysis
The power rankings paint a clear picture of where the value lies:
- Power Gap: Dolphins ranked 2nd vs Sharks at 13th
- Attack: Dolphins averaging significantly more points per game
- Defence: Both teams solid but Dolphins edge in key metrics
- Recent Form: Dolphins riding high, Sharks inconsistent at home
- Head-to-Head: Limited history but Dolphins competitive in all meetings
Game Style Prediction: Moderate scoring tactical battl
Our Betting Strategy
Value Play: Dolphins Head-to-Head
Dolphins @ $2.20
With our model showing a 58.59% win probability, the Dolphins at $2.20 offer exceptional value. This is the play of the round.
The Momentum Factor
The Dolphins have been building nicely through the season and their away record suggests they travel well.
Cronulla will need to rediscover their best form to justify favouritism in front of their home fans.
Key Battle: The halves clash will be pivotal. Whichever pair controls field position and game tempo will likely steer their side to victory.
The Bottom Line
Everything points to Dolphins value at the $2.20 price point. They’re the form team with superior rankings across the board.
For margin hunters, the 1-12 band at $3.70 offers excellent returns for what our model predicts will be a 5-point victory.
Don’t be surprised if this becomes the upset of the round – though based on form, it’s hardly an upset at all.
Remember to gamble responsibly.
Related:
NRL Draw
Check the NRL Draw for upcoming NRL matches this season.
NRL Injury List
Keep up-to-date with your team’s injuries this week with our NRL injury list.
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