Roar Guru
The North Queensland Cowboys will aim to continue their stunning run of form when they face the Cronulla Sharks in Townsville. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:30pm (AEST).
After losing their first three games of the season, few would have predicted the Cowboys would be in second place after 15 rounds.
The Cowboys’ 11-game winning streak was maintained thanks to a Johnathan Thurston field goal after the siren against Raiders in Canberra last weekend.
However, Thurston’s efforts in the game backing up from Origin put strain on his body and he has been ruled out for tonight’s clash. Michael Morgan will take on the responsibility of chief playmaker and he will no doubt be targeted by the Sharks.
Paul Gallen was due to start from the bench but was ruled out yesterday with his rib injury. It will be up to other experienced players like Michael Ennis to inspire the troops with a top-eight place within the Sharks grasp. With Gallen’s omission Cronulla has named the same line-up which defeated Newcastle by two points.
The Cowboys have an imposing record over the Sharks, having won seven of the past nine matches. The last time the sides met was also in Townsville, where another JT field goal in extra time sank the boys from Cronulla.
Prediction
The Cowboys have been riding high on the back of their longest winning streak in the club’s history, but their opponents have a habit of disregarding milestones. The Sharks played with flair in their last-start win over the Knights while the home side did it tough leaving it very late in Canberra.
Grit and determination will win this one, and the Sharks might just be primed to spring an upset
Sharks to win in a tight one.
The Roar will have live scores and commentary from 5:30pm (AEST). Join us from then, and feel free to leave a comment in the box below if you’re watching along.