There was drama pre game in Townsville, with six Sharks failing their initial temperature test on arrival at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The failed tests threw the Sharks preparations into disarray and the game into doubt, with the Cronulla side unable to field a team if all six players were unable to take part in the match.
Matt Moylan, who has been selected to come into the team in the halves in place of the injured Chad Townsend, was one of the Cronulla players to fail their initial test but was subsequently cleared.
Following a second test the other five were also cleared, meaning despite the pre-match scare, the Sharks will be 1-17 for the game with no changes to report from the originally selected squad.
As announced earlier in the week, Moylan will partner Shaun Johnson in the halves for the Sharks with Townsend unavailable due to a hamstring twinge, while youngster Will Kennedy retains his place at fullback.
On the opposite side of the field Valentine Holmes, in his first game against the Sharks since returning from his stint in the NFL, is set to play in the number one jersey for the Cowboys.
In the forwards, Tongan teammates Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo are missing from their respective team line ups, Fifita's place taken by enthusiastic rookie Toby Rudolf, while the experienced Josh McGuire will play lock for the Cowboys.
On the Sharks bench, local product Connor Tracey assumes the utility role, while hard-running back rower Siosifa Talakai will make his club debut.
The Sharks v Cowboys match is scheduled for a 7.35pm kick off at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Valentine HolmesFullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
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Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle FeldtWinger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
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Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Justin O'NeillCentre for Sharks is number 3 Josh Dugan
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Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Esan MarstersCentre for Sharks is number 4 Jesse Ramien
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Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Ben HamptonWinger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
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Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Scott DrinkwaterFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Matt Moylan
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Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Jake CliffordHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Shaun Johnson
Forwards
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Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Francis MoloProp for Sharks is number 8 Toby Rudolf
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Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Jake GranvilleHooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
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Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jordan McLeanProp for Sharks is number 10 Aaron Woods
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2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Mitchell Dunn2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
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2nd Row for Cowboys is number 17 Gavin Cooper2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Wade Graham
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Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Josh McGuireLock for Sharks is number 13 Jack Williams
Interchange
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Reece RobsonInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Connor Tracey
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 John AsiataInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Braden Hamlin-Uele
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Tom GilbertInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Siosifa Talakai
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 19 Shane WrightInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Scott Sorensen
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Sutton
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Video Referee: Bryan Norrie
- Senior Review Official: Steve Clark
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