2021 NRL – North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks taking place? Friday 18th June, 2021 – 09:00 (UK)
Where is North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks taking place? Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Where can I get tickets for North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks? Click here for ticket information on 2021 NRL matches
What channel is North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks 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 North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks? 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
THE TEAM NEWS
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Starting 13: Holmes, Feldt, Bowen, Tabuai-Fidow, Taulagi, Drinkwater, Dearden, Hess, Robson, McLean, Wright, Dunn, Taumalolo – Interchanges: Granville, Gilbert, Burr, Molo – Reserves: Hola, Asi, Bradley, Jensen
Unavailable: Reuben Cotter (Injured), Ben Hampton (Injured), Connolly Lemuelu (Injured)
- North Queensland Cowboys were unable to make it three straight wins as they produced a woeful defensive display against Manly Sea Eagles last week with the Cowboys conceding 50 points in the process.
- They remain in the top eight despite that loss but that heavy defeat has seen their points difference fall to -119 and that could come back to haunt them at the business end of the season.
CRONULLA SHARKS
Starting 13: Kennedy, Tracey, Chambers, Ramien, Mulitalo, Moylan, Johnson, Tolman, Brailey, Woods, Nikora, Talakai, Rudolf – Interchanges: Trindall, Wilton, Jack Williams, Fifita – Reserves: Magoulias, Townsend, Hamlin-Uele, Katoa
Unavailable: Bronson Xerri (Suspended), Royce Hunt (Injured), Jackson Ferris (Injured), Wade Graham (Injured)
- Cronulla Sharks produced a game of two halves as they nearly blew an 18-0 half time lead but despite Penrith Panthers drawing level late in the contest, Shaun Johnson’s field goal earned the Sharks a crucial victory.
- It was a third win in succession for Cronulla who now look well-placed to compete for a spot in the finals but they cannot afford to go into their shell and invite pressure onto themselves like they did in the second half of last week’s clash.
THE PREDICTION
Two teams competing for the top eight do battle here in what could
prove to be a pivotal contest. North Queensland Cowboys have put their
early season woes behind them to climb into the eight but they were
blown away by Manly Sea Eagles last week as they fell to an ugly loss.
Some of their defensive efforts in that game left a lot to be desired
and they now come up against an improving Cronulla Sharks outfit. The
away side have won their last three having seen off Penrith Panthers
last week and with confidence high for the Sharks, they can record
another success to draw level on points with the hosts.
