Cowboys v Sharks NRL tips & predictions | Round 21 preview

Sharks v Cowboys R21 best bets

Round 21: Sharks v Cowboys match preview

Two finals contenders face off this Saturday afternoon as the Cowboys host the Sharks at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in round 21 of the 2024 NRL Premiership.

At home, North Queensland enter this clash as slight favourites at $1.78 with Unibet, while Cronulla are at $2.25 with PlayUp. The line is set at just 1.5 points.

Last Sunday, the Cowboys secured a vital victory, beating the Bulldogs by two points in Townsville. Led by two tries from second-rower Heilum Luki, it was a gritty performance from Todd Payten’s men as they came back from a four-point deficit at halftime.

With three wins from their last four matches, the Cowboys sit in eighth spot on the NRL ladder. With a favourable draw to finish the season, top rugby league bookmakers give them odds of $1.35 to make the finals.

After their strong performance against the Dogs, there aren’t any changes this week for the Cowboys.

The Sharks had a bye in round 20, but the week before, they secured a dominant 52-point victory over the Tigers. Scoring 10 tries for the day, it was a statement performance from Cronulla as they broke a run of three straight losses.

With the win and their bye, the Sharks have jumped up to third on the ladder. However, with the quality and consistency of the teams around them, top online bookies are giving them $15 odds to win the 2024 NRL Grand Final.

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has handed fullback Liam Ison his NRL debut in place of the suspended Will Kennedy, while back-rower Siosifa Talakai returns from suspension on the bench.

Sharks v Cowboys NRL team lists

North Queensland Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Valentine Holmes
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Heilum Luki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Sam McIntyre
15. Harrison Edwards
16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
17. Griffin Neame

Cronulla Sharks

1. Liam Ison
2. Sione Katoa
3. Jesse Ramien
4. Kayal Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Daniel Atkinson
7. Braydon Trindall
8. Royce Hunt
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Siosifa Talakai
15. Thomas Hazelton
16. Toby Rudolph
17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Sharks v Cowboys R21 betting strategy

The Sharks have an excellent record against the Cowboys, winning the last three meetings by over 20 points. North Queensland have won just two of their last six matches, while Cronulla have covered the line in each of their last seven interstate matches. At $2.25 with PlayUp, back the Sharks to secure a critical road win.

Going under the total points line in their last three matches, the Cowboys’ form has come as a result of their strong defence. Similarly, the Sharks have the third-best defensive record in the NRL this season and have gone under the match total in six of their eight away matches. Back this one to go under 48.5 total points at $1.91 with leading sports bookmakers.

Coming off a hat-trick against the Tigers, Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has now scored 13 tries for the season. The 24-year-old also has a great record against the Cowboys, with three tries in the last two meetings. At $1.91 with top online betting sites, Mulitalo offers great value to add to his try tally.

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