Cronulla are out to regain their attacking mojo when they host the Cowboys in a Sunday afternoon tussle at Sharks Stadium.
Craig Fitzgibbon's men claimed a gritty victory over the Rabbitohs last weekend but there was plenty of room for improvement with ball in hand.
Sunday's clash provides an opportunity to hit top gear as the Sharks chase two crucial competition points in a congested battle for a top-eight spot.
Cronulla currently sit seventh on the ladder, just two points clear of the ninth-placed Sea Eagles with six rounds to play.
The Cowboys returned to form last week with a thrilling 38-32 win over the Dragons in a clash that featured 13 tries.
Tom Dearden has been riding high since leading Queensland to a stunning State of Origin triumph and the halfback will look to continue the attacking brilliance on Sunday afternoon.
North Queensland have been superb with ball in hand in recent weeks, but their defence has let them down.
Given their ability to score points, coach Todd Payten will be confident of his team's chances if they can tighten up defensively.
Match: Sharks v Cowboys
Round 22 -
home Team
Sharks
4th Position
away Team
Cowboys
12th Position
Venue: Sharks Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Sharks: Centre Siosifa Talakai (illness) and back-rower Briton Nikora (concussion) are back on deck after missing the Souths game. Big man Tom Hazelton remained in the wider squad after the 24-hour update, as he closes in on a return from a collarbone injury. The Sharks have won 13 of their past 15 games against the Cowboys.
Cowboys: Jake Clifford has been ruled out after failing to overcome a quad injury. That brings Jaxon Purdue into the halves to partner Tom Dearden, with Jaxson Paulo joining the backline. After 44 games across three seasons in Qld Cup, Tanzanian-born Emarly Bitungane will make his NRL debut off the bench.
Match: Sharks v Cowboys
Round 22 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Cowboys
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William KennedyFullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater
-
Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione KatoaWinger for Cowboys is number 2 Robert Derby
-
Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse RamienCentre for Cowboys is number 4 Zac Laybutt
-
Centre for Sharks is number 4 Siosifa TalakaiCentre for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai
-
Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo MulitaloWinger for Cowboys is number 5 Braidon Burns
-
Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon TrindallFive-Eighth for Cowboys is number 3 Jaxon Purdue
-
Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas HynesHalfback for Cowboys is number 7 Tom Dearden
Forwards
-
Prop for Sharks is number 8 Addin Fonua-BlakeProp for Cowboys is number 8 Harrison Edwards
-
Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke BraileyHooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson
-
Prop for Sharks is number 10 Oregon KaufusiProp for Cowboys is number 10 Griffin Neame
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 John Bateman
-
2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton2nd Row for Cowboys is number 17 Coen Hess
-
Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnesLock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben Cotter
Interchange
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Daniel AtkinsonInterchange for Cowboys is number 14 Marly Bitungane
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Jesse ColquhounInterchange for Cowboys is number 15 Kaiden Lahrs
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Braden Hamlin-UeleInterchange for Cowboys is number 16 Kai O'Donnell
-
Interchange for Sharks is number 21 Thomas HazeltonInterchange for Cowboys is number 21 Jamal Shibasaki
Reserves
-
Replacement for Sharks is number 16 Billy BurnsReplacement for Cowboys is number 18 Jaxson Paulo
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Sharks have won 13 of their past 15 games against the Cowboys.
- Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater has scored five tries in his past five games.
- Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored 12 tries in 13 games against the Cowboys.
- Halfback Tom Dearden will make his 100th appearance for the Cowboys.
- The Sharks have won five from seven at Sharks Stadium this season.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
