Cowboys v Sharks NRL Round 2 tips & preview | Saturday 15/3/25

Cowboys v Sharks NRL R2 best bets

NRL Round 2: North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla Sharks preview

North Queensland fans will be desperate for a response when the Cowboys host the Cronulla Sharks at Queensland Country Bank Stadium this Saturday in Round 2 of the 2025 NRL Premiership.

The Cowboys were embarrassed 42-12 by Manly, conceding three tries inside the first 10 minutes before eventually steadying in the final stages. Todd Payten has reacted by axing State of Origin forward Jeremiah Nanai, bringing in Kai O’Donnell to add defensive steel to the back row.

Cronulla, on the other hand, pushed the four-time reigning premiers Penrith all the way in Las Vegas, ultimately falling 28-22. The Sharks showed resilience and defensive grit against the best team in the NRL, with Addin Fonua-Blake’s barnstorming club debut a highlight.

The Sharks have dominated this rivalry in recent times, winning 12 of the last 14 meetings, including last season’s finals clash where they eliminated the Cowboys with a 26-18 victory.

Queensland Country Bank Stadium has traditionally been a fortress for the Cowboys, who went 8-5 at home last season. However, their defensive woes are a major concern, conceding 40 or more points in home losses to the Broncos and Warriors in 2024.

This clash will be a massive test of character for the Cowboys, who need a fast start to prevent another blowout.

Cronulla will look to keep the tempo high and pressure North Queensland into mistakes. Given their recent dominance in this matchup, the NRL betting odds have the Sharks as heavy favourites at $1.36 for the win.

Cowboys v Sharks Rd 2 teams list

North Queensland Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Braidon Burns
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Thomas Duffy
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Sam McIntyre
11. John Bateman
12. Kai O’Donnell
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Karl Lawton
15. Harrison Edwards
16. Griffin Neame
17. Coen Hess

North Queensland have made a key change, with Kai O’Donnell replacing Jeremiah Nanai in the back row after the latter’s defensive lapses last week. Jason Taumalolo is still among the reserves and could be a late inclusion.

Cronulla Sharks

1. William Kennedy
2. Samuel Stonestreet
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Kayal Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicholas Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Daniel Atkinson
15. Siosifa Talakai
16. Braden Hamlin-Uele
17. Thomas Hazelton

Cronulla have named an unchanged 17 from the team that pushed Penrith in Round 1.

North QLD Cowboys v Cronulla Sharks betting predictions

Cronulla’s dominance in this fixture, combined with North Queensland’s defensive issues, makes the Sharks by 13 or more points a strong play at $2.30 with top rugby league betting sites. The Sharks have won 12 of the last 14 meetings, covering this margin in nine of those victories. With the Cowboys conceding 42 points last week and struggling defensively, another blowout loss looks likely.

Addin Fonua-Blake was outstanding against Penrith, running for 190 metres and scoring a try. Given the Cowboys’ poor defensive record through the middle, the Sharks’ big man is primed to crash over again. At $3.25 anytime tryscorer, he offers great value with BetOnline, especially if Cronulla dominate field position.

With the Cowboys’ defence in disarray and the Sharks showing attacking intent, over 50.5 total points at $1.90 looks like a solid play with BetOnline. North Queensland’s defensive frailties were on full display last week, and Cronulla have the firepower to rack up points, making a high-scoring game likely.

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