Queensland Country Bank Stadium will play host to Thursday's Round 25 NRL game between North Queensland Cowboys and Cronulla Sharks. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with North Queensland Cowboys heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the North Queensland Cowboys vs. Cronulla Sharks game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Thursday August 17, 2023 at 7:50 pm

Where: Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks Odds

North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks Preview

A massive clash in Townsville to kick off Round 25, with North Queensland striving to stay in touch with – and potentially jump into – the Top 8, while resurgent Cronulla remains in the top-four hunt…but could still miss the NRL finals altogether.

The Cowboys went into the bye on a two-game skid, their six-match winning streak unexpectedly halted on the Gold Coast in Round 22 before being outplayed 30-14 by in-form Brisbane.

Jeremiah Nanai is a big in for the hosts, while Kyle Feldt comes onto a wing with Murray Taulagi going to centre with Valentine Holmes out suspended.

The Sharks seemed headed for the exit door courtesy of three straight defence-shy losses to the Warriors, Manly and Penrith. But they jolted back to form in the nick of time, blasting out of the blocks in a 26-16 win over Souths in Round 23.

They backed it up last weekend with a comprehensive 36-6 home win over the Titans. Connor Tracey has filled the fullback breach superbly, Braydon Trindall has put his stamp on the No.6, Cameron McInnes has been tireless with Dale Finucane out injured and Nicho Hynes looks to have his mojo back.

Thomas Hazelton returns at Jesse Colqhoun’s expense in the Sharks’ only change.

The Cowboys have won just one of their last 10 against the Sharks – but it was the one that mattered most, an epic golden point qualifying final win at Cronulla last season. The Sharks romped to a 44-6 win over at home in Round 9 this year as the Cowboys struggled to find their mojo.

North Queensland boasts an 8-3 home record heading into its last regular-season match in Townsville. Cronulla’s win in Perth was their first interstate victory in 2023 in five attempts.

The Cowboys’ home advantage sees them head in as $1.57 favourites, but they’re four weeks removed from their top-shelf run of form. Expect this to be fought with semi-final intensity and – with both teams’ matches trending toward lower totals of late – consider the under as a value option.

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