Sharks v Roosters: Hiroti to Centres and Key Players Return

The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the Sydney Roosters are set to face each other on April 11, 2026, at Optus Stadium in Perth. The encounter serves as the second game of a Perth double-header, with kick-off scheduled for 3.30pm local time, which is 5.30pm AEST.

Cronulla enters the Round 6 clash following a 36-22 victory over the Warriors. The Sharks have established themselves as one of the form teams early in the competition, recovering from back-to-back losses in Round 2 and Round 3. Recent performances have been highlighted by the contributions of fullback William Kennedy, along with Nicho Hynes and KL Iro.

The Sydney Roosters return from a bye week after a dominant 33-16 away win against Manly in Round 4. During that match, Robert Toia scored two tries, and Daly Cherry-Evans delivered an impressive performance against his former club. The Roosters demonstrated strong discipline in wet conditions at 4 Pines Park, finishing that game with a 96 percent completion rate.

Sharks Team News and Lineup

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has finalized a squad that includes several adjustments due to injuries. Mawene Hiroti has been inserted into the centers to replace Jesse Ramien, who suffered a knee injury on April 4, 2026.

Prop Tom Hazelton is expected to start despite an ankle complaint sustained during the game against the Warriors. The final six-man interchange consists of Siosifa Talakai, Oregon Kaufusi, Thomas Hazelton, Hohepa Puru, Jayden Berrell, and Riley Jones. Prop Tuku Hau Tapuha was the final player omitted from the squad.

The confirmed Sharks lineup for the match is as follows:

• 1. William Kennedy
• 2. Sione Katoa
• 3. Mawene Hiroti
• 4. KL Iro
• 5. Samuel Stonestreet
• 6. Braydon Trindall
• 7. Nicholas Hynes
• 8. Addin Fonua-Blake
• 9. Blayke Brailey (c)
• 10. Toby Rudolf
• 11. Billy Burns
• 12. Teig Wilton
• 13. Jesse Colquhoun

Roosters Roster Updates

The Roosters are fielding a nearly full-strength side with the return of key players Spencer Leniu, Victor Radley, and Egan Butcher. However, the team will be without Billy Smith, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Hugo Savala has been brought into the centers to fill the vacancy left by Smith.

The confirmed Roosters lineup for the match is as follows:

• 1. James Tedesco (c)
• 2. Daniel Tupou
• 3. Hugo Savala
• 4. Robert Toia
• 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
• 6. Daly Cherry-Evans
• 7. Sam Walker
• 8. Naufahu Whyte
• 9. Reece Robson
• 10. Lindsay Collins
• 11. Angus Crichton
• 12. Siua Wong
• 13. Victor Radley

The Roosters’ bench includes Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Nat Butcher, Salesi Foketi, Cody Ramsey, Tommy Talau, Benaiah Ioelu, Egan Butcher, and Blake Steep.

Match Context and History

This meeting follows a previous encounter in the 2025 season during finals week 1. In that elimination final held at Sharks Stadium, the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks secured a 20-10 victory over the Sydney Roosters.

The match will be officiated by referee Todd Smith, with Adam Gee serving as the bunker. The game is being broadcast live via Foxtel, Kayo, and WatchNRL.