Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys Prediction, Tips & Odds

Cronulla and North Queensland hit the finals with all the momentum of a car with three flat tyres, but one of these teams will nevertheless progress to a semi-final.  

FORM: The wheels fell off for the Sharks in the closing rounds, losing four of their last five to slip to fifth. Following an inexplicable 38-18 defeat to the Eels, and under-strength side was a fraction unlucky in a 24-20 loss to the Storm in Round 27.   

The eighth-placed Cowboys lost four of their last seven – including a record-shattering 82-12 loss to the Roosters – while their wins were over the battling Broncos, Titans and Tigers. A relatively full-strength line-up was beaten 50-30 by the out-of-contention Raiders at home last Saturday.  

INS AND OUTS: Braydon Trindall is a huge in for the Ssharks, and while Nicho Hynes, Blayke Brailey, KL Iro and Teig Wilton are back after a Round 27 rest, and Tom Hazelton returns from a one-week ban on the bench.  

Griffin Neame, Jeremiah Nanai and Zac Laybutt are all back from injury for the Cowboys. Reuben Cotter received a downgrade on his high tackle charge and is free to play.  

KEY MATCH-UP: The tone needs to be set up front – meaning Addin Fonua-Blake has to make a big statement opposite Jason Taumalolo, who has enjoyed an impressive renaissance in 2026.  

HISTORY: The Sharks have won 14 of their last 17 against the Cowboys, but the Cowboys won their only encounter to date this season – 46-34 in Townsville in Round 8.  

The clubs have a rich finals history, meeting six times in September since 2013 and chalking up three wins apiece.  

KEY STAT: The Sharks have scored at least 22 points in their last 14 games against the Cowboys – and 26-plus in all but one of those.   

VERDICT: The Cowboys are the most inscrutable team in the NRL in 2026, haemorrhaging points in too many games and suffering listless losses to bad teams – but also beating four of this year’s finalists. They haven’t been great interstate travellers this season, either.  

The Sharks look to be another team merely making up the numbers, but the return of Trindall – their most reliable linchpin, despite the occasional form spike from Hynes – could be the catalyst for a timely turnaround.  

Tip: Back Sharks/Sharks Half-time/Full-time Double @ $1.80 

SGM: SHARKS -7.5 / OVER 47.5 TOTAL POINTS / BRAYDON TRINDALL ANYTIME TRYSCORER / TOM CHESTER ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $17.00