Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 2 clash between the Cowboys and Sharks.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
North Queensland Cowboys Vs Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Date: Saturday, March 15, 5:30 pm (ADST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Thomas Duffy 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Karl Lawton 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess 18. Jake Clifford 19. Jeremiah Nanai 20. Thomas Mikaele 21. Jaxson Paulo 22. Jason Taumalolo
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Billy Burns 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Hohepa Puru
Referee: Liam Kennedy
Bunker: Gerard Sutton
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Cowboys had a nightmare trip to 4 Pines Park last Saturday, with the Sea Eagles beating them soundly 42-12. Players such as Daly Cherry-Evans, Tom Trbojevic, and Hamole Olakau’tau cut them to shreds, much to the delight of the Sea Eagles faithful. The bright spots for the Cowboys didn’t come until the end of the game as Scott Drinkwater showed why he can be dangerous with a slashing solo try. Braidon Burns scored the second try, a long-range effort started by centre Viliami Vailea.
The only change to the Cowboys side is Kai O’Donnell starting in the back row. Jeremiah Nanai has been named as a reserve but will likely play in the QLD Cup. Jake Clifford has been named 18th Man. Jason Taumalolo has been named a reserve again but is still recovering from a Lisfranc injury.
The Sharks may not have defeated the reigning premiers, but they pushed them to the limit under the bright lights of Vegas. They drew first blood through Jesse Ramien. They let the Panthers get in front and then had to play catch-up football. Addin Fonua-Blake had a great game, running for 190 metres and barging over from close range for a try. Ramien’s centre partner Kayal Iro showed why he will be a star with a good try and some strong carries. Unfortunately, they weren’t good enough but will be in the mix again.
Coach Craig Fitzgibbon has named an unchanged line-up for this weekend, with Tuku Hau Tapuha the 18th Man.
One of the game’s biggest clashes will be between the front row. Sam McIntyre and Jordan McLean must try to stop Fonua-Blake, who took on the Panthers pack (minus Fisher-Harris), but showed that the Sharks will get their money’s worth out of him. They must also watch out when Tom Hazelton comes onto the field. Hazelton continues the momentum of the previous front rower he replaces. He also has a knack for scoring a try.
A fun one to watch will also be the battle of the fullbacks. Both Scott Drinkwater and Will Kennedy can do some fantastic things for their side, but they also occasionally have a terrible game in them.
While it may be only the second game of the season, another thumping for the Cowboys is not what they need.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Sharks by 12 points.
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
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