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.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
If it was a horse race the stewards would be involved.
The Dude
Guest
Well...that's just like, your opinion man
GoTheSharkie
Guest
HahHaaa, the Cows are were slaughtered by the White Sharks, I predict that neither the Cows nor the Broncos will win the comp. Its all downhill from here. The Broncos are next.
E-Meter
Guest
I'll kick off proceedings saying the Cowboys can't win without Thurston after leading 18-0. It's a massive case of woohoo.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Can I say it? Another one bites the dust. If only we can beat Manly next week,just for old times sake.
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
After McGuire's injury then maybe you're right, but the Broncs will go close.
Pickett
Guest
James Maloney may be the final piece in the Nulla puzzle.
jamesb
Guest
Still think the Cowboys have the better chance of winning the comp then Brisbane.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Holmes and Graham
Renegade
Roar Guru
Yeah no doubt about that... Chin up Cowboys fans - you're still the team to beat in 2015.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
It was bound to happen. An eleven game winning streak aftw Dr fifteen rounds is obscene. Or somethinf. ;-)
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
The NRL action continues tonight with the Eels and the Dragons squaring off shortly. Thanks for joining The Roar for this live blog. Enjoy the rest of your evening.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Both teams will be in action next Saturday night. The Cowboys travel to Wollongong to take on the Dragons while the Sharks head to Brookvale where they take on Manly. Recapping the score Sharks 24 (Lewis, Tagataese, A Fifita, Leutele tries, Gordon 4 goals) def Cowboys 18(Granville, O'Neill, Winterstein tries, Lowe 2 conversions, 1 penalty goal) The Cowboys 11 game winning streak is over after the Sharks kept them scoreless in the second half to record another come from behind win.
Shades Carter
Roar Rookie
Dud of the season, another tough one. Garbutt anyone?
up in the north
Roar Rookie
UH dude.
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
Good, Broncs are outright first now. And hopefully we'll stay there.
Renegade
Roar Guru
As predicted - The streak is over, the streak is over ;) Well played sharkies.... They are getting better every week - and starting to look like the top 4 side everyone tipped them to be at the start of the year.
JAYDEN :)
Guest
Who attempted the field goals
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
It was a classic game of two halves. The Cowboys dominated an awful Sharks team in the first half, but the Sharks completely reversed the equation in the second. Led by the big boppers of Tagataese, Bukuya and the Fifita brothers (and the craftiness of Lewis and Ennis) the Sharks played both direct and attacking footy to seal the points and move into the top 8.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Unbelievable. The Sharks have come back from 18 nil down to hand the Cowboys their first loss in three months. Looks like they've discovered the secret to performing give up a big lead! That's the second week in a row they have done it.