The "match-of-the-day" is at Shark Park as a battered and bruised Cronulla side return home after losing to the Melbourne Storm in the last 30 seconds on their MNF clash. It was definitely a tough loss for them to have at this point of the season but Sharks fans need not worry too much about that loss. If anything, it was a positive performacne as they were making mistakes during the game but were able to stick with the Storm. More importantly, they were able to dominate them in the forwards and the Sharks showed that they will be playing to this strength for the remainder of the season. It is very fitting then that the "match-of-the-day" is a battle between two sides that are certain to play finals football the following week. The Cowboys are starting to look like a very dangerous team and just have to hope that their away record can reverse and they can find how to win in Sydney. They will know their fate come this game as to where they are able to finish on the table. If either the Sea Eagles or Rabbitohs lose, they could sneak into the top 4 and whilst losing a home semi final, they would grab a "second chance" if they were to lose in Week 1. If both of those sides win however, we could be faced with a "non event" as the Cowboys may opt to rest a few players in order to freshen them up the following week. The Sharks are in a similar position yet are unable to finish any higher than where they currently are now (6th) but a loss here and a win to the Raiders would demote them to 7th and then they would lose a home field advantage in Week 1 of the Finals. It would be unlikely that the Sharks would rest any players here, they are just getting their squad back to full fitness and working back towards the early season form that saw them riding high in the competition. The uncertainty around the final make up of the squads will not withdraw from the spectical that this clash is. This game will be a great preview for the finals and will be played with an intensity that the top side continually reach for to get over their opponents. The winners of all this are the fans and maybe if we take a deeper look into this contest, we can unearth a winner to make this game even more enjoyable.
Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks had a few late withdrawals in their clash over the Storm but they are definitely going to take the field in this clash. As far as the two sides that were named from last week to this one, there is no change. However the final team that took the field for MNF was minus Matthew Wright at fullback and Anthony Tupou in the second row for the second straight week. There is also some news floating around that either Wade Graham or Nathan Gardener, or even both, will make a return from injury to the side. The Sharks have also named an extended bench of five and you would think that Tyson Frizell would be the player that misses out. But coach Shane Flanaghan must be uncertain over this decision as Frizell's form this season since coming into the side has been great. He has carried the ball forward with great momentum and has proved extremely hard to stop. It is mentioned above, the strength within this side is definately their forwards. They are a hard pack to stop at the best of times and create a lot of room for Todd Carney and Jeff Robson to build off and get the ball to the outside backs. The backs are a weakness in defence for the Sharks and teams will look to exploite this at all costs, often catching them out wide or pressuring them from kick returns. Cutting out the mistakes that they made on MNF would go a long way to improving this Sharks side.
North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys turned in a great performance against the Knights at home as there were times in the game where the Knights looked as though they were going to be able to produce something special and beat the Cowboys. But the real class prevailed in the end and Thurston and Bowen lead the side around the park very well. They were also assisted by the Cowboys monster forward pack that was able to continually break past the advantage line and gain a quick play the ball. Of course this is when the Cowboys are at their best, in a very fast paced game. You would think that there is no need to change a winning formula but coach Neil Henry has made a few tweaks. Michael Morgan is recalled after being a late withdrawal and his replacement for that game, Anthony Mitchell has moved back to the bench. Ricky Thorby is out of the clash altogether as he was for the Knights game and his replacement there, Jason Taumalolo is named on the bench. Those are the only two changes to the side but Henry has added Blake Leary and James Segeyaro to an extended bench of 7 to obviously suggest that depending on other results, the Cowboys could be resting a few players come kick off. It will be interesting to see what does happen because a move like that can often mean a sudden loss of momentum to a side.
Recent History
Overall = Sharks 20 - Cowboys 9
Last 5 games = Sharks 2 - Cowboys 3
At Toyota Stadium = Sharks 10 - Cowboys 2
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Sharks $1.52 Cowboys $2.60
Centrebet = Sharks $1.52 Cowboys $2.60
Sportsbet = Sharks $1.52 Cowboys $2.60
Betfair = Sharks $1.50 Cowboys $2.70
Sportingbet = Sharks $1.52 Cowboys $2.60
Verdict
Judging by the prices listed above, the bookies know that the Cowboys are going to rest a few players. They are always well in the know because at the end of the day they will lose money otherwise. So will the Sharks rest any players as well? They are still a good price if the Cowboys will be weaker so get on while you can. The Sharks would want to finish 6th as well to get that home final. Expect a bold showing from the Cowboys though and they will make the Sharks work for this win. Sharks to get a good win and build more momentum heading into Week 1 of the Finals.
Suggested Bet
Sharks @ $1.52
Smaller Margin = Sharks 1-12 @ $3.10 - The Sharks do not generally win games by scoring a lot of points. Their games are built around scoring a few points and allowing their tough defence to get them over the line. I expect this game to be no different.
Be specific on a margin = Sharks 7-12 @ $5.50 - Obviously you are biting a little more off here but there is plenty of value to be won in doing so. If you are going to follow the 1-12 bet then also consider this. Note that 1-6 is @ $6.
Good luck!
Scooby
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