SUNDAY, APRIL 21st, 2024 POINTSBET STADIUM SYDNEY
The Sharks are poised to defend their top spot on the ladder as they host the Cowboys at PointsBet Stadium this Sunday.”
There’s no doubt Cronulla received a favourable draw to open the season, facing the Warriors, Bulldogs, Tigers, Raiders and embattled Rabbitohs.
Craig Fitzgibbon’s side’s lone defeat was a heavy one, falling 32-6 to the Tigers, but they responded by putting 30 points on the Raiders and Rabbitohs.
Sharks Eye Victory Against Cowboys at Home
The Sharks enjoy another favorable fixture, meeting the Cowboys on home turf, and they’re bolstered by the return of Braden Hamlin-Uele for his season debut.
However, prolific winger Sione Katoa is sidelined with a one-match suspension incurred in Round 6, paving the way for Sam Stonestreet to make his NRL debut in an otherwise steady backline.
Braden Hamlin-Uele comes in on the bench for his first game of the season following a frustrating battle with a knee injury through the opening six weeks.
Sharks Line-up: Stonestreet to Debut in Place of Katoa
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Siosifa Talakai 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Daniel Atkinson 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Kade Dykes 21. Billy Burns 22. Mawene Hiroti
North Queensland has had a favorable start to the season and currently sits in fourth place on the table. Despite this, the Cowboys suffered a disappointing defeat last week, falling 27-20 to the Eels, who were without Mitchell Moses.
This loss followed a heavy 40-point defeat to Canberra in the previous round.
Cowboys Look to Overcome Away Struggles
Making just one change to the squad, Semi Valemei joins the wing in place of Murray Taulagi. Tom Chester maintains his position in the center, taking over from Zac Laybutt, who is out for the season due to a knee injury.
Despite their solid performance within Queensland, doubts persist about the Cowboys’ ability to perform outside the state, especially considering their recent struggles against the Sharks.
Cowboys Lineup: Changes for Taulagi and Laybutt
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Tomas Chester 5. Semi Valemei 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Jake Clifford 19. Thomas Mikaele 20. Marly Bitungane 21. Jamal Shibasaki 22. Viliami Vailea
Referee: Adam Gee, Touch Judge: Dave Munro, Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Sharks vs. Cowboys – Home Advantage for Cronulla
Sharks have won 10 of the last 11 meetings between the teams
Cowboys have lost their last two games in Sydney
Both teams saw their games decided by a 1-12 margin last week
Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored a try in his last eight games & 30 tries in 27 games at PointsBet
Kyle Feldt has scored eight tries in his last seven games vs Sharks
Samuel Stonestreet slots in for Sione Katoa on the wing & the speedster should get his chances for a try on debut.
Ronaldo Mulitalo has six tries in five games this year and now has 27 tries in his last 28 games.
Briton Nikora is one of the best line runners in the NRL and has three tries in eight games against the Cowboys.
Semi Valemei will play his first game of the year, coming onto the wing for Murray Taulagi, who has a hamstring injury.
Scott Drinkwater will play his 100th game as well.
Prediction
Like I said I am not convinced about the Cowboys away from Townsville, so I will go with the Sharks at home. Betting, try Sharks plus 2.5 points start@ $1.42 ,OR ,Cowboys plus 9.5 points start @ $1.46
About Bulldogs vs Knights
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