Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v North Queensland Cowboys
Scratchy Storm eke out another win
8 hours ago | Andrew Ferguson
Sharks v Cowboys preview
Sharks look for four in a row against consistently inconsistent Cowboys
After three straight wins reignited their finals charge, the Cronulla Sharks are looking for a flawless month of football when they take on the inconsistent North Queensland Cowboys to cap off Round 22.
The Sharks have turned their season around after a poor sequence of showings against the Broncos and Warriors. They were looking like a team that would be easy pray come September. But since then, they amassed back to back wins over the Dolphins and Roosters while they won ugly in Gosford last weekend.
Back at home this weekend and it's where they shine. Blayke Brailey's running game out of dummy half has fast become a game changer for the Sharks. It allows an average set to become a good one when he can run 15-20 metres up field and give his side momentum. His running game will be critical against a Cowboys pack that are running on old legs in this one. Elsewhere, their attacking execution was poor last week, they need to be on their A game to be in with a chance.
They are strengthened in this one. Siosifa Talakai (illness) and Briton Nikora (concussion) back on deck after missing the Souths game. Billy Burns drops back to the bench and fills the hole left by Toby Rudolf (concussion). Tom Hazelton is amongst the reserves, but may run out for Newtown after a lengthy injury absence.
For the Cowboys, the turning point for their season was one that was a coach-based decision, one that bit them badly. The decision to sit Jake Clifford for Jaxon Purdue was one that can only be described as bizarre. Since the 30-all draw with Penrith, the Cowboys have only claimed competition points in three of their last ten matches. That's simply not good enough to make the finals and may have sounded the death knell for Todd Payten's time in Townsville.
To beat the Sharks. They have to go back to basics, win the middle of the field and contain Brailey out of dummy half. They have strike power in the backs and Tom Dearden is in as good enough form than any half in the competition, so sit back and get ready for a great game. If the Cowboys can handle the Sharks go forward, that will allow them to control the edges.
Onto team news, Jake Clifford is back in the No.7 jersey after recovering from a quad injury. Karl Lawton's suspension for yet another illegal tackle sees Tanzanian-born Emarly Bitungane come onto the bench for his NRL debut.
Last meeting: Round 2 2025 - Cowboys 12 Sharks 36
Who to watch: For the Sharks, I am focusing on Braden Hamlin-Uele. BHU has been at the butt of many Sharks fans' jokes this season. But, it is time for him to show the Sharks that he is worth the contract extension he was given. For a bench forward, his production needs to improve to continue giving AFB much needed rests.
For the Cowboys, it's time for Todd Payten to show he isn't a clique master in his press conferences and trust his bench forwards. He has clearly picked these young guns for a reason and the excuses he has put together in his post match press conferences are far from good enough. Trust Kaiden Lahrs and Bitungane this weekend and put your money where your mouth is!
Favourite: Sharks are favoured by the pundits in this one.
My tip: Cronulla should be putting these games away 13+, especially at Shark Park. But, the reality is they have let teams hang in games for far too long and made sure things look uncomfortable for their fan base. Based on that, expect a tight game from "an elite rugby league stadium". Sharks by 10.
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Billy Burns 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Hohepa Puru 20. Mawene Hiroti 21. Thomas Hazelton 22. Samuel Stonestreet
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Harrison Edwards 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Marly Bitungane 15. Kaiden Lahrs 16. Kai O'Donnell 17. Coen Hess 18. Jaxson Paulo 19. Nicholas Lenaz 20. Mason Kira 21. Jamal Shibasaki 22. Dane Aukafolau
Referees: Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Nick Pelgrave, Matt Noyen; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;