Sharks stifle Cowboys in thriller

v BYE

A dominating second half display from the Cronulla Sharks at Southern Cross Group Stadium saw them defeat the North Queensland Cowboys 13-10 and earn their 10th win in a row tonight.

In front of a boisterous 13119 at Shark Park the premiership contenders downed the defending premiers with a strong performance from their forwards.

Locked up at 10 points all with seven minutes to play, James Maloney needed just one field goal attempt in the 73rd minute to put Cronulla ahead for the first time in the match.

The Cowboys weren't able to set up their attack on Cronulla's goal line in the second half until the final 10 minutes of the game as NSW representatives Andrew Fifta and Paul Gallen led a relentless team effort.

Due to the visitor's lacking field position for most of the game they weren't able to organise themselves for a field goal attempt in the second forty minutes.

It was a quick start for North Queensland, who were hoping to celebrate the announcement of a new home stadium with a win, when Antonio Winterstein ran an inside line from the wing to catch a Lachlan Coote pass and he scored between two defenders in the fourth minute.  

In a match with a massive 22 penalties, Johnathan Thurston capitalised on one with a penalty goal in the 27th minute to take the Cowboys out to an 8-0 lead.

Two minutes later North Queensland were once again attacking Cronulla's goal line defence and Michael Morgan appeared to set Winterstein up with another four pointer, but a Valentine Holmes intercept put him in space with just Coote to beat.

The young speedster turned Coote inside out and ran 90 metres to score for Cronulla. That was one of four errors for Morgan who had an off night. 

Cronulla hounded North Queensland's goal line defence in the second half but a try-less second period ensued both teams added little to the halftime score of eight points apiece. 

In the 65th minute Wade Graham was put on report for a careless swinging arm while attempting to tackle Thurston. He will have a nervous wait to hear from the match review committee, as NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley named the second rower to make his State of Origin debut at full time. 

Both teams have a bye next weekend and a significant amount of players from these top four sides will play in Brisbane for State of Origin II next Wednesday. Both origin teams are now officially named. Check our website for more information.