Check out the match preview and prediction for the NRL Finals Week 1 clash between the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and North Queensland Cowboys.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Vs North Queensland Cowboys
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Date: Friday September 20th, 7:50pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Siosifa Talakai, 4. Kayal Iro, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Braydon Trindall, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Oregon Kaufusi, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Cameron McInnes, 14. Daniel Atkinson, 15. Jack Williams, 16. Royce Hunt, 17. Thomas Hazelton, 18. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha, 20. Jayden Berrell, 21. Samuel Stonestreet, 22. Jesse Ramien
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Viliami Vailea, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Tom Dearden, 7. Jake Clifford, 8. Jordan McLean, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jason Taumalolo, 11. Heilum Luki, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Reuben Cotter, 14. Sam McIntyre, 15. Harrison Edwards, 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 17. Griffin Neame, 18. Jaxon Purdue, 19. Chad Townsend, 20. Thomas Mikaele, 21. Braidon Burns, 22. Tomas Chester
Referee: Ashley Klein
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Sharks host the Cowboys this Friday night, with the winner moving one step closer to a possible grand final appearance.
The home side, the Sharks, lost their seventh straight finals match last week against the Storm. Though it was close early on, the minor premiers ran away with it late in the game. There’s no shame going down to the Storm, however, the Sharks will be desperate to make this one count. An eighth straight finals loss would become the worst finals record in the NRL era.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys found a way to win against a gutsy Knights team. The last time they hosted a finals match, it was a losing preliminary against the Eels, so they would have been pleased to make this one count. They come into this match under far less pressure than their opposition, having had fan expectations tempered by an up-and-down season.
Jesse Ramien is listed as a reserve for the Sharks and will be given every chance as a late inclusion. Otherwise, the Sharks have gone with the same 17. Todd Payten has had no injury concerns and has named the same team.
At their best, the Sharks are rightfully a top four team, as was demonstrated during the regular season when they were able to put away the likes of the Roosters and Storm. However, their ability to do it when it counts is still questioned, given the aforementioned statistic of having lost seven straight finals matches. There’s no doubt that the heat will be on Nicho Hynes to help steer his side home after a lacklustre performance last week. However, their forwards, such as Toby Rudolf, were just as responsible for last week’s rout and will be looking for atonement.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys showed that they were willing to fight last week, despite going down on the scoreboard on multiple occasions. If they bring that to this week’s game, and tidy up the errors, they will be a formidable force. Tom Dearden personifies the concept of fight, and will be the one to watch for the Sharks. His efforts are unmatched, and when his teammates see him refusing to die on a play, they too are inspired to follow suit.
In a tight contest, the pressure may be too much for the Sharks, with the Cowboys to win.
Check out the NRL Finals Stats Number Crunch here.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
Cowboys by two points.
Follow Nothing But Rugby League on Facebook
