NRL match preview: Sharks vs Cowboys

Date: Friday 18th July
Venue: Remondis Stadium
Kick-off: 7:40pm

Sharks: Michael Gordon, Sosaia Feki, Jonathan Wright, Ricky Leutele, Jacob Gagan, Fa’amanu Brown, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, Michael Lichaa, Bryce Gibbs, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Anthony Tupou. Interchange: Pat Politoni, Siosaia Vave, Tinirau Arona, Sam Tagataese, Tim Robinson, Tupou Sopoaga

Knights: Michael Morgan, Matthew Wright, Tautau Moga, Kane Linnett, Antonio Winterstein, Robert Lui, Johnathan Thurston, Ashton Sims, Rory Kostjasyn, James Tamou, Tariq Sims, Jason Taumalolo, Glenn Hall. Interchange: Ray Thompson, Scott Bolton, Sam Hoare, John Asiata

The Sharks are without their captain Paul Gallen for their round 19 clash against the Cowboys at Remondis Stadium.

A bicep injury will see the captain sidelined for weeks meaning the Sharks will lack leadership in the coming rounds however the stage is now set for the young rising stars of the club to cement their position within the first grade squad.

Fa’amanu Brown and Jacob Gagan have impressed since their debuts for Cronulla and as the Sharks look to rebuild following the departures of Todd Carney and Beau Ryan, these two players in particular will benefit from this valuable first grade experience.

The Sharks started with confidence and enthusiasm against the Knights last weekend , and if they are to stand any chance against an attacking side like the Cowboys then scoring early and maintaining a lead will be vital.

Johnathan Thurston’s leadership and natural ability to read the game accompanied with the Cowboys formidable forward pack should give North Queensland the upper hand in this match. However as has been proven in previous weeks , Cronulla aren’t a team that should be taken lightly.

Sharks by 6.
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