North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks prediction and odds: NRL 2023 Round 25

The sprint to the finish is here, with the NRL heading into its third-to-last weekend of the regular season. As the North Queensland Cowboys host the Cronulla Sharks to open the round, there’s plenty on the line with both these sides desperately needing two points. Read on for our Cowboys vs Sharks predictions.

These odds from Ladbrokes were correct at the time of writing.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks – Match Predictions

There’s plenty at stake for both sides in Round 25, with top four and top eight finishes up for grabs. Here are our best predictions ahead of the Cowboys vs Sharks this Thursday:

Cronulla Sharks to Win 

This is really crunch time for the Sharks. They’ve been solidly in the top four for the majority of the season, but triple losses in July saw them waver slightly. Now, coming into this match off the back of two wins, the real test is whether or not they can win on the road against a team on the cusp of the top eight.

We say they’ll be able to, and should confirm their status as a threat to go deep in the post-season with a gritty win here.

North Queensland Cowboys/Cronulla Sharks Half Time/Full Time

The home crowd will likely show up in force for the Cowboys this Thursday evening, and there’s a good chance they’ll ride this momentum to a halftime lead. We ultimately think the Sharks will have too much for them and will get over the line, but betting on this to be a Cowboys/Sharks halftime/fulltime split brings fantastic odds and is worth a punt.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks preview

Heading into this match, here’s a look at how both teams’ seasons have gone so far in the NRL 2023:

North Queensland Cowboys

With 11 wins and 10 losses this season, the Cowboys currently sit ninth on the ladder with their season very much in the balance. From early June to late July they looked like genuine title contenders, winning six in a row including over top four teams Melbourne and Penrith. 

Since then, however, they’ve dropped back-to-back matches and are now needing to win their remaining three if they’re to have a shot at making the cut in 2023.

Cronulla Sharks

Sitting on 12 wins and nine losses, the Sharks have had a strong season, but they won’t feel comfortable yet. Cronulla have been in the top four for the majority of the season, however, they’re currently in fifth and only one loss away from falling out of the top eight. 

It’s safe to say the Sharks will be eager for a big win here to remind fans they’re still got it.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks head to head

These two sides have met plenty of times before, with Cronulla holding a 36-19 advantage in the head to head–their best against any current NRL opponent. The Sharks also won the latest encounter, 44-6 in April this year.

• Date and time: Thursday 17 August, 9:50 am GMT
• Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville, Australia
• How to watch: Sky Sports