Cronulla will be looking to make it eight wins on the bounce when they host Penrith at Indigenous Round.
The Sharks have put to bed any doubters around their premiership chances by beating heavyweights Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters in their last two matches. They will now face the ultimate test against the three-time reigning premiers.
Ivan Cleary's side suffered a shock loss against the New Zealand Warriors in Magic Round last week and the coach will be looking for a response against the ladder-leading home side.
NRL NEWS: 2024 NRL live ladder | Every NRL club's updated injury list | Every NRL fixture and result for each club
Will Nicho Hynes be named as NSW halfback?
After Nathan Cleary went down with another hamstring injury, talk turned to who would be the halfback for NSW in the upcoming State of Origin series.
Mitch Moses was believed to be the front runner for the No.7 jersey, but the Parramatta playmaker has been sidelined with a foot injury which has opened the door for Nicho Hynes.
The Sharks star was originally set to possibly feature at five-eighth for the Blues but is now all but assured of leading Michael Maguire's side around the park for the opener on June 5.
Hynes has clicked into stellar form recently, creating two try assists in every one of his past five matches.
After leading the Sharks to massive wins over the Storm and Roosters, getting the Panthers scalp will only further reinforce how the 27-year-old is the right man to build the new-look Blues around in 2024.
What channel is Sharks vs. Panthers on? How to watch or live stream the NRL today
Today's blockbuster is set to be broadcast live and exclusive on Fox League, with coverage due to begin at 5.25pm following the conclusion of the Raiders and Roosters game.
TV channel | Fox League |
Live stream |
This match, and every match across the regular season, will be available for live streaming and replay on Kayo Sports.
What time is the NRL today? Sharks vs. Panthers kickoff time
Saturday's game between the Sharks and Panthers will kick off at 5.30pm AEST on May 25.
The game will be played at PointsBet Stadium in Sydney.
| Timezone | AEST | NZST |
| Kickoff time | 5.30pm | 7.30pm |
Sharks vs. Panthers Indigenous Round team lists
| SHARKS TEAM LIST | PANTHERS TEAM LIST |
1. Will Kennedy 14. Jack Williams | 1. Dylan Edwards 14. Daine Laurie |