Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v North Queensland Cowboys
Sharks hoping to take big bite out of wounded Cowboys
11 hours ago | Josh Robertson
Sharks v Cowboys preview
The Cowboys travel down to Cronulla to take on the Sharks on what is now a special and emotional Thursday night, where they play in the inaugural Paul Green medal match. The two teams have united to celebrate and honour Paul Green's life and career, and the coach of the winning team will name the best player of the match to receive the Paul Green Medal.
Cronulla are comfortably sitting in 5th place on the ladder, having won four games and already had one of their three byes for the season. The Sharks came away with their first back-to-back win of the season after beating the Bulldogs in a 33-20 game, with many players showing their offensive and defensive powers.
North Queensland have had a rough season so far, with extremely poor attack and defence, currently sitting with a win record of 3/8. However, they came away with a crucial win last week, defeating the Newcastle Knights in a two-point game, 18-16.
The Sharks will be facing the Cowboys with the same 19 player team that defeated the Bulldogs, with no changes named.
Much like the Sharks, the Cowboys also have an unchanged side from the previous round. Reuben Cotter is named on the starting side, however he may switch with Jake Granville on game day as shown in their victory the Knights. Although sin binned in the match, Murray Taulagi did not receive a suspension for his late tackle and will be playing in this Thursday night clash.
Last meeting: Finals Week 1 2022 - Sharks 30 Cowboys 32
Who to watch: Already scoring 9 tries this season, including two season hat-tricks, Will Kennedy is a force to be reckoned with. Let's see if he can make his try count hit double digits in Round 9, making him the second player to reach 10+ tries in the 2023 season so far.
Valentine Holmes dominated in the Cowboys win against the Knights, where he made most run metres (254) and made one try assist. Holmes is an important part of the North QLD side, and I'm looking to see him inject himself into the game a little bit more than what we have seen to start the season.
The favourite: Cronulla are majorly favoured to claim victory against the North Queensland Cowboys at home, to make it three wins a row.
My tip: It'll be a tough game and could go either way in my opinion. Both teams have had their share of wins and losses this year, and I think the outcome of this game will come down to each teams' discipline and defence. Sharks by 2.
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Wade Graham 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Braydon Trindall
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jeremiah Nanai 15. Jake Granville 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Tomas Chester 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Mitchell Dunn 18. Riley Price
Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Kasey Badger, Nick Pelgrave; Video Referees: Adam Gee;