Round 21 closes with another hugely pivotal encounter, with the reeling Cronulla Sharks striving to get back on track against a Manly Sea Eagles outfit that needs a win to stay in the playoffs frame.

The Sharks went to Auckland last Sunday on the back of three straight wins over the bottom three clubs by 24-plus margins – but also with a poor record against their fellow Top 8 teams hanging over them.

After opening the scoring, the Sharks folded badly in a 44-12 defeat to the Warriors.

Their vaunted pack was completely dominated through the middle and their defence – particularly on their left edge – was ruthlessly picked apart, the latter factor has prompted Craig Fitzgibbon to make some changes.

The Sharks have slipped to sixth and are in real danger of slipping out of the Top 8 altogether before too long given the Eels, Rabbitohs and Cowboys lurk just two points behind them.

Teig Wilton picked up an injury against the Warriors, which sees Jesse Colqhoun come into the Sharks’ second-row.

Dale Finucane returns from suspension at lock, while Connor Tracey gets a run at centre and Braydon Trindall at five-eighth with Siosifa Talakai benched and Matt Moylan axed.

The 7-1-9 Sea Eagles are only three points outside the Top 8 but have won only three of their last 10 games. They held off the struggling Roosters 18-16 in Round 18 but came out of the bye with a 19-8 home loss to the Cowboys.

Daly Cherry-Evans is carrying a side that has not won back-to-back games since Round 8 and has scored more than 18 points just twice in their last 10 outings.

Matt Lodge will come off the bench for his first appearance in Manly jumper, while Sean Keppie also rejoins the interchange. Toafofoa Sipley and Ethan Bullemor drop out.

The Sharks have four of their last five against the Sea Eagles – after winning just two of the previous 19 between the keen rivals – including a 20-14 result at Brookvale in Round 11.

Cronulla has also won four of its last five at home, while Manly has lost four of its last five on the road by double-digit margins.

The Sea Eagles should put up more resistance the Sharks’ recent victims, however, and both teams’ desperation should turn this into a real dogfight.

The post Cronulla Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles Tips and Odds – NRL 2023 Round 21 first appeared on JustBetting.com.au.