North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks Tips & Preview
North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks Preview
The NRL edges closer to finals footy with just three weeks left of the home and away season. Round 25 will begin with a key matchup between the Cronulla Sharks visiting the North Queensland Cowboys.
Only the Broncos and Panthers have clinched their spot in the finals, so every week is do-or-die for both teams.
The Sharks' dominance over the Cowboys is too hard to ignore and are one of the only teams in the NRL with a positive record in Townsville over the last few years.
Recent form also suggests that Cronulla should not have a problem covering the 4.5 points as underdogs and will crack the +20 point mark in attack.
Scott Drinkwater will need to be instrumental if the Cowboys are a shot in this game and has been in great tryscoring form recently at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
- Cronulla has covered the line in 6 of the last 7 regular season matches against the Cowboys.
- The Sharks have covered the line in 11 of their 12 victories in 2023.
- Cronulla has scored over 20 points in their last 7 matches against North Queensland.
- Scot Drinkwater has scored 5 tries in his last 4 games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Head to Head
Besides losing in the Preliminary Final last year, The Sharks have had absolute dominance over the Cowboys during the regular season, winning the last nine straight, including the last four in North Queensland.
The two have already met back in round 6 at Shark Park, with Cronulla running away victorious 44-6.
North QLD Cowboys Form
The bye couldn’t come at a better time for the Cowboys after losing their previous two matches to their QLD rivals the Titans and the Broncos before the week off.
North Queensland lifted themselves from close to the bottom of the ladder with an impressive six-game win streak before their recent defeats, putting them in finals contention in 2023.
North QLD Cowboys Team News
Jeremiah Nanai has returned early from a shoulder injury in a huge boost for the Cowboys. Coen Hess will move to the bench and Jamayne Taunoa-Brown to the reserves.
North QLD Cowboys Team List
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Murray Taulagi
4. Peta Hiku
5. Semi Valemei
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
Interchange
14. Jake Granville
15. Coen Hess
16. Heilum Luki
17. Griffin Neame
Reserves
18. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
19. Zac Laybutt
20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
21. Robert Derby
22. James Tamou
Cronulla Sharks Form
After three straight defeats, the Cronulla Sharks have bounced back to form with two consecutive victories, displaying their prowess in attack but more importantly their resilience in defence.
The Sharks didn’t give the Titans a look-in last week containing the Gold Coast’s strike attack to just six points while putting on 36 points of their own.
It was a similar story the week before against the Rabbits, holding them scoreless until the 62nd minute in round 23.
Cronulla Sharks Team News
Tom Hazelton returns to the bench for the Sharks with Jesse Colquhoun moving back to the reserves, in the only change for Craig Fitzgibbon.
Cronulla Sharks Team List
1. Connor Tracey
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Siosifa Talakai
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Toby Rudolf
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Braden Hamlin-Uele
11. Briton Nikora
12. Wade Graham
13. Cam McInnes
Interchange
14. Jack Williams
15. Royce Hunt
16. Tom Hazelton
17. Matt Moylan
Reserves
18. Mawene Hiroti
19. Tuku Hau Tapuha
20. Jesse Colquhoun
21. Kayal Iro
22. Jayden Berrell
Verdict
The Sharks have had it over the Cowboys and are back in fine attacking and defensive form. They can cover the 4.5 points as underdogs and score over 20 points in attack. Scott Drinkwater will continue his try scoring manner in front of his home fans.
Cronulla Sharks +4.5
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