Cowboys v Sharks: Nanai back on deck; Hazelton returns
Coming into this game following a weekend off with the bye, this is shaping as a must-win game for the Cowboys - who currently sit in ninth spot on the ladder - if they want to make a realistic tilt at finals football.
The home side will have to turn around a recent run of poor form with two consecutive losses to their Queensland counterparts in the Titans and Broncos when they host an improved Sharks side who have won their past two matches in convincing fashion.
The fifth-placed Cronulla side were taught a lesson by Penrith in Round 22 where they were held scoreless, but have since clicked back into gear against the Rabbitohs and Titans.
Paul Green, who played for the Sharks and coached the Cowboys to their 2015 premiership, will again be honoured this Thursday night with the player of the match being awarded the Paul Green Medal. Sharks half Nicho Hynes won the inaugural medal when the two sides met in Round 9.
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Team News
Cowboys: No late changes for the home side an hour before kick-off. A boost for the Cowboys with back-rower Jeremiah Nanai returning ahead of schedule from a shoulder injury. Coen Hess goes back to the bench and Jamayne Taunoa-Brown to 18th Man. Kyle Feldt is named on the wing, with Maroons winger Murray Taualgi set to play in the centres. Veteran prop James Tamou dropped off the reserves list on Wednesday when the squad was trimmed to 19 and will continue to work his way back from a long-term foot injury through Queensland Cup.
Sharks: The Sharks are 1-17 with no late changes. Forward Thomas Hazelton returns after missing Round 24 with concussion so Jesse Colquhoun goes back to the bench in the only change to the squad that downed the Titans.
Match: Cowboys v Sharks
Round 25 -
home Team
Cowboys
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott DrinkwaterFullback for Sharks is number 1 Connor Tracey
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle FeldtWinger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Murray TaulagiCentre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Peta HikuCentre for Sharks is number 4 Siosifa Talakai
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Semi ValemeiWinger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
-
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom DeardenFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall
-
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad TownsendHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLeanProp for Sharks is number 8 Toby Rudolf
-
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece RobsonHooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jason TaumaloloProp for Sharks is number 10 Braden Hamlin-Uele
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Luciano Leilua2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Wade Graham
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben CotterLock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jake GranvilleInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Jack Williams
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Coen HessInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Royce Hunt
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Heilum LukiInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Thomas Hazelton
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Griffin NeameInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Matt Moylan
Reserves
-
Replacement for Cowboys is number 18 Jamayne Taunoa-BrownReplacement for Sharks is number 20 Jesse Colquhoun
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- Cowboys captain Jason Taumalolo is set to play in his 250th NRL game this week.
- The Cowboys have won six of their past seven games at QCB Stadium.
- The Sharks have won nine of their past 10 games against the Cowboys.
- Cowboys halfback Chad Townsend requires one point for 500 career points.
- Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored five tries in his past five games.
Match: Cowboys v Sharks
Round 25 -
home Team
Cowboys
9th Position
away Team
Sharks
5th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
