Sharks v Cowboys preview

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v North Queensland Cowboys
Remondis Stadium - Saturday 5:30pm

Get set for one of the games of the season at Remondis.

Currently chasing four straight wins for the first time since 2012, Cronulla will be full of confidence heading into this Round 22 fixture. Sitting in fifth position, the Sharks will be hoping results fall their way in the coming weeks which could see them finish the regular season in the top four; a remarkable feat considering their 0-4 start to 2015. Coach Shane Flanagan has been able to name the same side that defeated the Warriors last week with the Fifita brothers both sidelined due to the junior league referee controversy.

Despite trailing 18-0 for the majority of the first half against Canberra last week, the Cowboys stormed home to claim yet another win which saw them draw level on competition points with the ladder leading Broncos. As with the Sharks, coach Paul Green has been able to retain the same side that defeated the Raiders including winger Antonio Winterstein who will play his 100th game for the club after joining from Brisbane in 2011.

Last meeting: Round 16 2015 - North Queensland Cowboys 18 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 24

Who to watch: Considering his future with Cronulla was largely in doubt early in 2015, Sam Tagaetese has responded in the best possible way with a series of strong performances. Proving to be the major beneficiary of Andrew Fifita's suspension, Tagaetese has been particularly effective over the past few weeks with a high work rate and powerful frame to put the Sharks on the front foot.

Having been unwanted by the Sharks at the end of 2013, Matthew Wright has proven to be an astute signing for the Cowboys ever since. A skillful outside back, Wright has proven a handful this season by averaging over 100 metres a game, alongside eight tries throughout the season. After missing the finals last year through ASADA imposed suspension, Wright will be desperate to make amends with a strong performance against his former club.

The favourite: Coming back from 18-0 down last week against Canberra, the Cowboys have been installed as favourites to continue their terrific season so far.

My tip: Having accounted for the Roosters (twice), Rabbitohs and Cowboys so far in 2015, the Sharks will take a giant step towards finishing in the top four with another win. Sharks by 7.

1. Michael Gordon 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Gerard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Jack Bird 7. Jeff Robson 8. Chris Heighington 9. Michael Ennis 10. Sam Tagataese 11. Anthony Tupou 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Ben Barba 15. Matt Prior 16. Tinirau Arona 17. Jayson Bukuya 18. Junior Roqica

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Matthew Wright 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matthew Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Rory Kostjasyn 15. John Asiata 16. Scott Bolton 17. Ben Hannant 18. Sam Hoare

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Dave Munro; Sideline Officials: Steve Carrall, Clayton Sharpe; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Luke Phillips;

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