Sharks Face Injury Concerns After Pre-Season Win Over Raiders
The Cronulla Sharks secured a dominant 48-6 victory over the Canberra Raiders in a pre-season challenge match at Polytec Stadium in Gosford on Saturday, February 21, 2026, but the win was tempered by injury concerns surrounding winger Sione Katoa.
Katoa Suffers Groin Injury
Sione Katoa suffered a groin injury during the second half of the match, leaving the field in clear discomfort. He is expected to undergo scans to determine the severity of the injury. The Canberra Times reports this injury comes at a critical time for the Sharks, who are already without winger Ronaldo Mulitalo due to a ruptured ACL sustained even as playing for New Zealand.
Halves Shine for Cronulla
Despite the injury concern, the Sharks showcased a strong performance, particularly from their halves pairing of Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall. The duo played a key role in several of Cronulla’s first four tries before being rested after 45 minutes with the Sharks leading 22-0. MSN highlighted their strong performance, building on their previous showing in the All Stars fixture.
Raiders Understrength
The Raiders fielded a largely reserve-grade team, resulting in a significant difference in performance. Matty Nicholson also suffered an injury, leaving the field with a shoulder issue and not returning to the game.
Potential Replacements
Sam Stonestreet is expected to fill in for Mulitalo on the left wing. If Katoa is unable to play in the early rounds, Mawene Hiroti is the likely replacement. The Courier Mail reports these potential lineup changes.
Rookie Watch for Canberra
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart kept his main halves players on the bench during the pre-season match. Ethan Strange has secured one halfback spot, but the combination between Strange and Ethan Sanders remains to be fully tested. Sanders is favored to replace veteran Jamal Fogarty, with Daine Laurie as a potential bench utility.
Sharks’ Recruitment and Future Prospects
Jayden Brailey, a recent addition to the Raiders from the Sharks and Knights, made an impact with 20 tackles and no misses during his time on the field. The Sharks’ success appears to hinge on the continued strong combination of Hynes and Trindall in the halves, with optimism growing that they can build on their performance from last season, where they fell just short of the grand final.
Final Say
Canberra’s early-season form will be closely watched, especially considering the limited playing time for their key players during the trials. Despite 15 errors during Saturday’s match, a win over Manly in round one could quickly change perceptions.
Sharks Team
- William Kennedy
- Sione Katoa
- Jesse Ramien
- KL Iro
- Samuel Stonestreet
- Braydon Trindall
- Nicho Hynes
- Addin Fonua-Blake
- Blayke Brailey
- Thomas Hazelton
- Briton Nikora
- Billy Burns
- Jesse Colquhoun
- Siosifa Talakai
- Toby Rudolf
- Oregon Kaufusi
- Braeden Uele
- Hohepa Puru
- Tuku Hau Tapuha
- Jayden Berrell
- Niwhai Puru
- Riley Jones
- Michael Gabrael
- Harrison Hassett
- Taj Ford
- Riley Pollard
- Chris Vea’ila
Raiders Team
- Daine Laurie
- Savelio Tamale
- Simi Sasagi
- Sebastian Kris
- Xavier Savage
- Ethan Alaia
- Jalen Afamasaga
- Ata Mariota
- Jayden Brailey
- Zac Hosking
- Matt Nicholson
- Noah Martin
- Morgan Smithies
- Owen Pattie
- Jed Stuart
- Sione Finau
- Jordan Uta
- Chevy Stewart
- Mark Tuialii
- Shaun Packer
- Myles Martin
- Jake Clydsdale
- Joseph Roddy
- Saxon Innes
- Braydan Darmody
- Michael Asomua
- Samuel Hyne
- Vena Patuki-Case