2023 NRL Preview Round 25: Cowboys Vs Sharks
Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 25 clash between the Cowboys and Sharks.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
North Queensland Cowboys Vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Date: Thursday August 17, 7:50pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Murray Taulagi, 4. Peter 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, 14. Jake Granville, 15. Coen Hess, 16. Helium Luki, 17. Griffin Neame, 18. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 19. Zac Laybutt, 20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 21. Robert Derby, 22. James Tamou
Sharks: 1. Connor Tracey, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Talakai, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Braydon Trindall, 7. Nicholas Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Brailey, 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Cameron McInnes, 14. Jack WIlliams, 15. Royce Hunt, 16. Thomas Hazelton, 17. Matt Moylan, 18. Mawene Hiroti, 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha, 20. Jesse Colquhoun, 21. Kayal Iro, 22. Jayden Berrell
Referee: Adam Gee
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Sharks and the Cowboys will meet for the second time this season at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Thursday night.
The Sharks are sitting just two points ahead of the Cowboys on the NRL ladder, however the risk of them being overtaken is slim considering their differential is considerably higher than North Queensland’s, which is a key factor this late in the season.
The Sharks had a great win last weekend against the Titans at home, winning by a 30-point margin. Their win against the Gold Coast was their second consecutive win, having defeated the Rabbitohs the weekend before.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys had last weekend off, which will mean they are well rested before the host the Sharks on Thursday night. Their game before the bye was a derby against the Broncos, which they lost by 16 points. If the Cowboys want a strong chance at making it to the finals series this year, this game against the Sharks is a must-win. They currently sit in ninth place.
The game will be at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, where the Cowboys have won six of their past seven games. However, North Queensland have a poor history against Cronulla, losing nine of their past ten. Perhaps home ground advantage could play a role in the result of this Thursday night clash.
North Queensland will have reason to celebrate – captain Jason Taumalolo’s 250th NRL game – which will potentially give them a confidence boost going into the match against Cronulla. They will also be giving as much ball to Chad Townsend, who is just one point away from 500 career points.
Will these milestones be enough to get the Cowboys over the line in front of a home crowd? Or will the Sharks, who have been winning convincingly of late, keep up their momentum on Thursday night.
LAST TEN MATCHES
Sharks 9, Cowboys 1
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Sharks by 7.
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