Sharks v Cowboys preview

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Premiership heavyweights meet in battle of the titans match.

In what is the match of the round, rugby league fans all over the country are licking their lips at the prospect of two of the NRL's most consistent sides locking horns. 

The Sharks are in great touch having won 9 straight and are currently 2nd on the ladder. On the back of some really strong defensive displays, the Sharks are playing some lovely attacking football on the back of strong displays by James Maloney, Ben Barba and Valentine Holmes, they will be tested by the reigning Premiers in the Cowboys who are 1 of only 2 teams to have caused the Sharks defeat in 2016.

The Cowboys will be relying on another solid effort from their prop forwards in James Tamou and Matt Scott who have been absolutely immense so far this year. Look for the Cowboys to also rely on the left hand edge attack which has had a lot of success in gaining them points both at home and away. This is set to be a brilliant game full of attack and intensity. Strap yourself in folks and get ready for a cracking contest. 

Last meeting: Round 1 2016 - Cowboys 20 Sharks 14

The Cowboys got the spoils in round one this year and have won 4 of the last 6 meetings against the boys from the Shire. That said the Cowboys have a dreadful record at Southern Cross Group Stadium with 5 wins and 11 losses in 16 visits to the Shire.

Who to watch: For the Cronulla side keep an eye on Andrew Fifita who is having a career year at Prop. His ability to break tackles and offload will keep the Cowboys defence on their toes and should create opportunities for Ben Barba and Valentine Holmes who will be lurking around the ruck.

For the Cowboys they will need a good game from Lachlan Coote at the back and his kick return metres. His ability to chime into the attacking line will ease the pressure on the halves and his passing game is very valuable to the success of the Cowboys attack.

The favourite: The red hot Sharks are favourite at home in this clash.

My tip: Expect to see the Sharks continue their great form with the home field advantage too much for the Cowboys to overcome. Their hoodoo will continue in the Shire with a strong effort by the Sharks forward pack. Sharks by 8.

1. Ben Barba 14. Ricky Leutele 3. Jack Bird 4. Gerard Beale 5. Valentine Holmes 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 10. Sam Tagataese 15. Chris Heighington 16. Jayson Bukuya 17. Joseph Paulo

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 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

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Rohan Best; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea, Jason Robinson