Finals Match-ups: Cowboys v Sharks

Rick takes a look at some of the key match-ups ahead of tonight's Elimination Semi Final between the Cowboys and Cronulla.

LACHLAN COOTE v MICHAEL GORDON
Two custodians looking to hit open spaces off an inside ball.

Since the change was made for Coote to come into the team for his Cowboys debut back in Round 3, they have looked a far more formidable attacking outfit. His ability to chime into the backline and set up his outside men is up there with the best fullbacks in the game and takes a lot of pressure off Johnathan Thurston. His kicking game, both long and short is an added string to his bow, again taking pressure off his skipper. In recent weeks, his running game has really come on as well, in particular last week where he threatened to break the game open charging onto some inside balls from Thurston at speed.

Since failing in his bid for a mid-season release back in June, the Sharks number one has responded in a way that is testament to the player he is. When many players would turn the other way and kick stones, Gordon showed he was up for the challenge, knuckling down to show some of his best form in some time. His experience and goal-kicking are invaluable assets at this time of the year and the outside-inside play he has conjured up with Wade Graham on the Sharks left edge is stretching defensive lines to the max.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Both players are dangerous ball runners, but it's the all-round game of Coote that gives his side the edge. The Cowboys fullback has set up four times as many tries than his opposite number this season.

JAKE GRANVILLE v MICHAEL ENNIS
A real clash of styles between two hookers integral to their team's success.

Like Coote at the back, when the Cowboys handed Granville the starting dummy half role their attack elevated to another level and the final piece of the puzzle was placed for the Cowboys premiership tilt. With electric speed around the ruck, Granville has cut plenty of defensive lines to shreds playing off the back of a dominant Cowboys forward pack. Has been a little quiet in recent weeks but look for him to be singling out some of the Sharks aging forwards when they start to tire with some zipping darts around the ruck.

There's been plenty of contenders for buy of the season so far, but right now at the stage of the season where at, Ennis wins the gong hands down. At his wily menacing best he's still the king at putting his opponents off their game and will no doubt have his more inexperienced opponent in his sights this week. It's his attack and vision in the opposition red zone that really has him firing this year though, leading his team for try assists. His kicking game out of acting half is also proving crucial to where his side starts their defensive sets.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? At the moment, everything Ennis is touching is turning to gold. He's controlling the game for his team with great vision and his big match experience will only enhance his team's chances in this do or die contest.

MICHAEL MORGAN v JACK BIRD
Old school five-eights go head to head in running battle.

With Thurston running the show and Coote acting as more of the second play-maker, Morgan has been given more of a license to run the football this season and that's what he does best. Given plenty of room to move on his right edge, the Cowboys pivot has shown a great ability to turn a half chance into open spaces with his blistering pace. Whilst still possessing the ability to ball play when that is the best option, his ark like runs inside the opposition 20 running off Thurston will again be a major play sure to test the Sharks goal line defence.

They say every champion player has a debut to remember and if Bird's run-on debut against the Roosters this year is any indication, a champion he may turn out to be. With speed, footwork and strength at his disposal, the Sharks pivot has enjoyed an outstanding rookie season. His youthful and competitive exuberance has given his team a lift on many occasions. Has the ability to create something out of nothing, often drifting and stepping across field until a gap for a support player presents itself. His biggest ace is his running game though. A play we haven't seen in a while is him running onto an outside-inside ball from Luke Lewis, but don't be surprised if the Sharks bring it back out of hiding in this one.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Really is a struck match between these two and it could well come down to which forward pack is more dominant to give them the room to move. But in what's expected to be a tight contest, Bird's ability to create something out of nothing could be the difference.

GAVIN COOPER v LUKE LEWIS
Two hard-nosed footballers of the purest form look to give their team the edge.

They say every great play-maker has a go to man. The fact the world's greatest Johnathan Thurston has Cooper as his go to man probably says it all about the Cowboys back-rower. For years Cooper has been the man running the tough lines in attack, either as a decoy runner or more often than not, surging onto a short ball from Thurston. The result has been many tries and line-breaks for the Cowboys. They will again be drawing on this play tonight and will be testing rookie Jack Bird's defence out wide for much of the night. An 80 minute player who does a lot of work off the ball as well, Cooper is the under-rated player every club must have.

The obstacles with injury and health that Lewis has overcome in recent times is a credit to him and shows just how much competitive edge he still has. Another footballer who's not afraid to run the tough lines, in fact he thrives off it, no one hits the ball harder when running against the grain. His versatility has been one of his biggest strengths for a long time but he's looking as comfortable as ever on Cronulla's right edge attack this season, crossing the stripe regularly. His combinations with Jack Bird and Michael Ennis will be instrumental in cracking the Cowboys defensive line tonight.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Two great ball running back-rowers makes this one tough to pick, but the lift in intensity Lewis can give his team mates in defence could give his team the boost they need when the chips are down.

JASON TAUMOLOLO v PAUL GALLEN
Young wrecking ball clashing head on with his idol.

When Jason Taumololo stated during All Stars camp this year that he wanted to become the sort of player Paul Gallen is, it gave you an idea of the hunger the barnstorming lock forward carries within. Not yet an 80 minute player, Taumololo has been used in shorter bursts for most of the season to maximize the damage he can cause a defensive line. His back-end of games have been particularly impressive, often lifting his team with his bullocking charges up field, a big reason the Cowboys have become renowned as the best finishers in the game. On his day, when he really winds up he can run right over the top of the best defensive players in the game. His upper body strength makes him so hard to take high and his speed and footwork for such a big man makes him one of the hardest men in the game to bring to ground.

There's not much that hasn't been said about Paul Gallen, both good and bad. The fact of the matter is though, none of it seems to effect the way he plays. At 34 years of age, the most hated man in Queensland still possesses the biggest motor in Rugby League. An inspirational leader, he commands respect and 100% commitment from his team mates and is often the man to lift them with a surging run when they need it most. Still an 80 minute player with a high work rate, Gallen is also capable of laying on a short ball at the line if it's on. Provides plenty of second phase play with his offloads to get the Sharks attack cranking. Time's running out for Gallen to claim an elusive premiership so expect him to leave nothing in the tank in this one.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Whilst Taumololo is capable of breaking the game open, Gallen is a proven warrior in the biggest games and the drive and passion he has for his beloved Sharks will see him have another stormer here.