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North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Saturday 5:30pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville / Wulgurukaba

Cowboys look to ride into the eight

The North Queensland Cowboys will be looking to solidify their top eight spot when they take on top four hopefuls the Cronulla Sharks in Townsville.

The Cowboys were great in a narrow win over the Bulldogs last time out. They've had a habit of either blowing teams out, getting blown out or winning an arm-wrestle. Lately, it's been the latter after an impressive win over the improved Bulldogs. They had to work hard for the full 80 minutes, but it would be the defence that pleased Todd Payten with all three tries coming off kicks. This shows a remarkable turnaround to the turnstyle defence that was on display earlier in the season. 

To beat Cronulla, you feel that they'll have to win up front. Cronulla's pack either dominates you early, or lays down and is dominated for 80 minutes. McLean and Taumalolo will have their hands full looking to set the early standard and outmuscle Cronulla from the opening whistle. Tom Dearden has gone to a new level since being in QLD camp, leading his team well around the park, his combination down his left edge will be key as Cronulla's right edge has been a significant point of weakness. 

On the team front, Jaxson Purdue keeps his spot in the side after a strong performance on Sunday night. It's an other-wise settled line up for Todd Payten. Murray Taulagi could be a late inclusion however if he passes a fitness test this week.

Cronulla come in after a massacre against the Tigers and their final bye of the season. Given the unfortunate news surrounding Nicho Hynes, Dan Atkinson and Braydon Trindall will again have to make significant steps to ensure the Sharks maintain their top four spots. More positively, Briton Nikora has found his best form with some barnstorming efforts in recent matches and the decision to move Kayal Iro to centre has paid off in droves with the off-contract centre producing some great performances since he was moved.

To beat the Cowboys, they will need to go back to the power game that worked earlier in the season. Cronulla were a form side early on, and that was due to their forwards getting the jump on their opposition. Since Magic Round, their pack have been almost non-existent with the exclusion of their wins over Brisbane and Wests. Hopefully the bye gave Craig Fitzgibbon the time needed to set the wrongs right, and deliver a big result to solidify their top four place.

Will Kennedy's controversial suspension for contact with referee Adam Gee has seen a forced change. This will see former Panther Liam Ison make his first grade debut. Siosifa Talakai will return from suspension via the bench, replacing the luckless Jesse Colquhoun. 

Last meeting: Round 7 2024 - Sharks 42 Cowboys 6

Who to watch: For the Cowboys, the focus is on Jason Taumalolo. After losing the captaincy and having an unspectacular start to the season. An honesty session following the Round 7 loss to the Sharks has sparked the former Dally M Medalist to a return to his spectacular 2022 form. Watch for Taumalolo to have his revenge on a Sharks pack that has been in decline this season. 

There is a sense of excitement for the Sharks with the debut of Liam Ison. Ison has been excellent in his 10 NSW Cup games this season, scoring 9 tries, 5 try-assists, 7 line-breaks and an amazing 72 tackle breaks (2 games with 10 or more tackle-breaks). Ison has also made The League Scene's NSW Cup Team of the Week on three occasions. His small frame hasn't hindered his ability to dominate matches and will be a hard man to bring down. The fullback will be dangerous on every carry and is one player the Panthers are filthy at letting go. 

FAVOURITE: Home ground advantage hands the Cowboys better backing in this one.

MY TIP: This is a coin flip game for me, as both sides have massive stakes. Largely due to the fact they are at home and need to continue to win to keep pace with teams fighting to make the top eight. Cronulla have to keep winning to stay in the top four with the Roosters and Manly in striking distance, as well as the need to keep up with Penrith to potentially host a home final at Shark Park. Sharks by 4.

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Valentine Holmes 21. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 3. Jaxon Purdue 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Harrison Edwards 17. Griffin Neame 18. Jake Granville

1. Liam Ison 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 15. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Siosifa Talakai 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 21. Jayden Berrell 19. Samuel Stonestreet

Referees: Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Nick Pelgrave, Clayton Wills; Video Referees: Matt Noyen;