Cowboys v Sharks preview

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North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Thursday 7:50pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville / Wulgurukaba

Cows looking to lasso themselves into the 8!

The North Queensland Cowboys will be keen to keep their finals charge alive as they look to break a 3 game losing streak when they kickoff Round 25 against the Sharks.

It's been an emotional rollercoaster for Cowboys fans this season. 2023 has been one bumpy ride which has continued in the last two weeks losing to their fellow QLD teams in the Titans and Broncos before their final bye last weekend. It's a form slump that'll scare Todd Payten, but it might be the slump they need as they look to continue their finals charge.

Last start against the Sharks, it was 44-6 in one of the thrashings of 2023. Their forwards need to win the physical battle early and contain Nicho Hynes. A strong forward foundation will give the likes of Scott Drinkwater and Tom Dearden the space they need to move the footy around the Sharks edges which have been suspect defensively in the past. Discipline and completions have been a concern in recent weeks for the Cowboys, but if they can hold onto the footy, they have the attacking capability of some of the great sides in the NRL.

For the Sharks, it appears the 28-0 shutout suffered against Penrith was the wake-up call they needed to resurrect their season. Since that point, they have been ruthless in their approach the past fortnight. Last week, they put the Titans to the sword in a 7 try blitzkrieg. Connor Tracey is looking more comfortable at the back while Braydon Trindall is turning into a handy foil for Nicho Hynes.

Thomas Hazelton returns after missing Round 24 with concussion so Jesse Colquhoun goes back to the bench in the only change to the squad that downed the Titans.

To beat the Cowboys, they need to re-watch the first game between these two sides. Cronulla were ruthless from start to finish in a complete and utter domination. Hynes was at his dominant best and crushed the Cowboys pack. The outside backs have their job to do coming out of yardage, Katoa, Ramien, Talakai and Mulitalo have been good in that area and it'll be up to them to set the platform for success.

A boost for the Cowboys with back-rower Jeremiah Nanai named to return ahead of schedule from a shoulder injury. Coen Hess goes back to the bench and Jamayne Taunoa-Brown to 18th Man. Kyle Feldt is named on the wing, with Maroons winger Murray Taualgi set to play in the centres. Veteran prop James Tamou is listed among the reserves as he looks to return from a long-term foot injury.

Last meeting: Round 9 2023 - Sharks 44 Cowboys 6

Players to watch: For the Cowboys, the focus is on Jason Taumalolo in his 200th

For the Sharks the focus is on Connor Tracey. After a mixed run at centre, it appears the hamstring injury that struck Will Kennedy has come at the perfect time for Tracey. The ‘Mr-Fix-It' has slotted in nicely at the back, getting through a mountain of work and being a hard man to bring down. Look for Tracey to slither his way through an at times leaky middle third of North Queensland.

Tip: Well, it's a must win fixture for both sides in the race for the 8. Both sides can ill-afford a stumble on the road to September footy so a mistake and a loss simply means season over for both sides. Cronulla have the good form on the board, the Cowboys have the weather and home ground support on their side. It'll come down to who wins the forward battle early and who can maintain the rage. Sharks by 6.  

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Murray Taulagi 4. Peta Hiku 5. Semi Valemei 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Coen Hess 16. Heilum Luki 17. Griffin Neame 18. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown

1. Connor Tracey 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Royce Hunt 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Matt Moylan 20. Jesse Colquhoun

Referees: Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: David Munro, Belinda Sharpe; Video Referees: Chris Butler;