5:30pm SATURDAY, JULY 27th, 2024 TOWNSVILLE COUNTRY BANK STADIUM, QLD
Cowboys Seek Crucial Win to Maintain Top Eight Position
The Cowboys are out to solidify their place inside the top eight when they host the Sharks on Saturday night.
The Cowboys secured a crucial two points with a tense victory over the Bulldogs on Sunday to ensure they remained in eighth place after 20 rounds.
North Queensland are one of four teams on 24 competition points, with the Raiders in 10th place on 22 points and a further three teams on 20.
That means every game for the Cowboys is crucial in the run to the finals and they are determined to make it two in a row this weekend.
Young Talent Jaxon Purdue Named to Start, Val Holmes Shifts to Wing
Youngster Jaxon Purdue is named to start at centre, with Val Holmes shifting to the wing, marking the only change to the squad that defeated the Bulldogs. At just 18 years old, Purdue impressed last weekend and appears to be a promising team member. Origin representative Murray Taulagi is listed among the reserves as he aims to return from a hamstring injury sustained in Round 18.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Valentine Holmes , 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo , 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter, 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Harrison Edwards , 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Griffin Neame, 18. Jake Granville 19. Braidon Burns 20. Thomas Mikaele 21. Murray Taulagi 22. Jake Clifford
Sharks Arrive Confident After Dominant Victory Over Wests Tigers
Cronulla will head to Townsville brimming with confidence after their dominant 42-6 victory over North Queensland in Round 7.
The Sharks have had a week off to freshen up after a convincing 52-point win over Wests Tigers a fortnight ago.
Craig Fitzgibbon’s side currently sits third on the ladder and their eager to maintain their place inside the top four.
NRL Debut for Liam Ison at Fullback, Siosifa Talakai Returns to Bench
Liam Ison makes his NRL debut at fullback, stepping in for the suspended Will Kennedy. Back-rower Siosifa Talakai returns to the bench after serving a one-game suspension.
Sharks
1. Liam Ison 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo , 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Royce Hunt 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi , 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes , 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Thomas Hazelton , 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele , 18. Billy Burns 19. Samuel Stonestreet 20. Niwhai Puru , 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Jack Williams
Referee, Adam Gee, Touch Judges, Nick Pelgrave, Clayton Wills, Bunker, Matt Noyen.
Historical Insights and Key Player Stats
The Cowboys have not defeated the Sharks in Townsville since 2018.
The Sharks have won 11 of their last 12 games against the Cowboys.
The Cowboys have won only two of their last six games at QCB Stadium.
Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored five tries in his last three games against the Cowboys.
Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has scored six tries in his last seven games.
Prediction.
The Cowboys did just enough to finish on top of the Bulldogs last week, while the Sharks rested. Taumalolo looked to have regained some form and this will have to continue against a big Cronulla side. The Sharks need to continue winning to secure their spot in the Top 4, while the Cowboys are among several teams fighting to remain in the Top 8.
If the Cowboys play at their best, they have a chance to win, but it’s difficult to be confident given their current form. The Sharks are missing some big names. I am going with the Cows here at home, but do not right the Sharks off. They are a gritty side.
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