2020 NRL – Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys taking place? Saturday 29th August, 2020 – 08:30 (UK)
Where is Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys taking place? Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
What is the expected weather for Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys? 17c, clear skies
What channel is Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys on? Sky Sports Arena will be televising selected NRL games in the UK and you can find their schedule here. For Australian broadcasters, you can find a list here
Where can I stream Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys? If televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go. Alternatively, the match will be available to subscribers of Watch NRL
Where can I get tickets for Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys? Click here for ticket information on 2020 NRL matches
THE TEAM NEWS
CRONULLA SHARKS
Starting 13: Kennedy, Katoa, Dugan, Ramien, Mulitalo, Tracey, Trindall, Hamlin-Uele, Brailey, Woods, Nikora, Graham, Rudolf – Interchanges: Talakai, Sorensen, Williams, Hunt – Reserves: Goodwin, Fifita
Unavailable: Cameron King (Injured), Bronson Xerri (Disciplinary), Chad Townsend (Injured), Jackson Ferris (Injured), Shaun Johnson (Injured)
- Cronulla Sharks were outclassed by Penrith Panthers last week as they lost for just the second time in six matches and they will be desperate to respond with their spot in the top eight far from secure.
- The Sharks possess just a four-point buffer over the chasing pack and another loss here could be huge for them after the 38-12 reverse in last week’s contest with Cronulla making 13 errors in that clash.
- Matt Moylan has been dropped for a string of poor performances with Connor Tracey taking his spot but Shaun Johnson has been ruled out 24 hours before kick-off so Braydon Trindall receives a late call-up to form a new halves pairing for the Sharks.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Starting 13: Drinkwater, Feldt, O’Neill, Lemuelu, Holmes, Asi, Morgan, Molo, Cotter, McLean, Dunn, Hess, McGuire – Interchanges: Granville, Asiata, Gilbert, Jensen – Reserves: Wright, Clifford
Unavailable: Peter Hola (Injured), Murray Taulagi (Injured), Emry Pere (Injured), Reece Robson (Injured), Jason Taumalolo (Injured)
- North Queensland Cowboys served up one of the worst performances of the season by any side as they barely asked a question of Newcastle Knights and meekly went down to a 12-0 loss.
- The Cowboys made 13 errors in what was a poor all-round effort and if they do not make serious improvements in the coming weeks, they might find themselves with the wooden spoon.
- If last week’s performance was not bad enough, they must now do without influential lock Jason Taumalolo who suffered a calf injury last week and he could miss the rest of the campaign, although Valentine Holmes will make his return on the wing.
THE PREDICTION
Cronulla Sharks were beaten by in-form league leaders Penrith Panthers last week but they will be eager to put that behind them as they look to cement their spot in the top eight. A win here would be a huge relief for the Sharks, especially as they come into this without either of their first-choice halfback pairing. North Queensland Cowboys were abysmal last week with their gameplan coming under serious scrutiny as they failed to threaten Newcastle Knights in an error-strewn game and although they have room for improvement, the Sharks should be too good in this one.
