North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla Sharks: NRL Saturday Preview

North Queensland Cowboys will be delighted to be back on their own patch when they take on Cronulla Sharks on Saturday.

The Cowboys suffered 30-point mauling at Manly Sea Eagles in their opening game, and will be hoping to bounce back in Townsville.

Cronulla have had a week off to recover following their exploits in Las Vegas and they will be keen to show there is no hangover from the trip.

The Sharks came unstuck against the Panthers in Vegas and cannot afford another defeat if they are to challenge for the top four once again.

It is very early in the season, but it is still a massive game for both these two sides, and one they will be desperate to win.

North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla Sharks betting preview

Taumalolo hopes for Cowboys

The Cowboys are hoping to have Jason Taumalolo back available as they look to bounce back from the defeat at Manly.

The powerful forward has recovered from a Lisfranc injury and is expected to take his place in the side.

Todd Payten’s men will be delighted to be back on home soil at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, which has been something of a fortress.

They have won five of the last six games at the venue and need another to open their account for the season.

Cronulla have been something of a bogey team for them, as they have managed just two wins out of the last 14 meetings.

It could turn out to be a tight game, and the Cowboys are priced at 4.50 to win by 1-12 points.

Sharks back down under

Cronulla slipped to a 28-22 loss against the Panthers in Las Vegas, but they can take heart from the performance they put in.

Now they have to carry that into another trick trip, this time against the Cowboys in Townsville.

They do have a good record against the Cowboys, as does Braydon Trindall, who has scored five tries in the last three games against them.

The five-eighth can be backed at 3.60 to grab another try against them at anytime in the game.

Coach Craig Fitzgibbon is able to name the same 17 that played in Las Vegas, including star recruit Addin Fonua-Blake, who impressed on debut.

Read more rugby league previews on site.

North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla Sharks odds

North Queensland Cowboys - 3.25
Cronulla Sharks - 1.35

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.