North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks Predictions: Sharks can dent Cowboys play-off hopes

The battle for the top eight continues as the North Queensland Cowboys lock horns with the Cronulla Sharks in Townsville on Saturday morning (08:30 kick-off). Cronulla head to the Queensland Country Bank Stadium sat in third place in the NRL table and battling for a top-four finish this season.

Every game matters for eighth-place North Queensland in their hopes of reaching the playoffs but their hopes of getting into the post-season action could be dented by the Sharks this weekend. Read on for my North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Rugby League Odds

Team News

Starting with the Cowboys, North Queensland have made just one change from the side that beat the Canterbury Bulldogs last time out.

Jaxon Purdue has been named in the centres alongside Val Holmes on the wing in the one alteration to the team.

As for the Sharks, Saturday looks set to be a big day for full-back Liam Ison who will make his NRL debut in place of the suspended Will Kennedy.

In the only other change to the squad that thrashed Wests Tigers by 52 points last time out, back-rower Siosifa Talakai has completed his recent suspension and makes a return to the bench.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks Odds

The Cowboys are the 8/11 favourites to win on home soil, while the Sharks are available at 6/5 to come away from Townsville with the victory.

A draw on Saturday morning is currently 20/1, while over 49.5 total points in the game is available at 10/11.

Cronulla Sharks to win @ 6/5

The Sharks have a strong record in this fixture and are worth considering to claim the two points on offer this weekend in Townsville.

North Queensland have not managed to beat the Sharks in Townsville since 2018, while the Cowboys have earned just one win in their last 12 encounters with Cronulla.

With the Cowboys one of four teams currently sat on 24 points and battling for a top-eight finish, the pressure is certainly on North Queensland more than their third-place opponents.

Cronulla can play with a little more freedom and they are a good price to add another Townsville win to their extensive collection.

Cronulla Sharks over 25.5 total points @ 5/4

The numbers speak for themselves when it comes to this second selection for this NRL clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

In all of the last nine meetings between these teams Cronulla Sharks to score over 25.5 total points would have landed every single time.

We expect the trend to continue this weekend.

Find more Rugby League Tips here at Betfred Insights