Cowboys v Sharks: Manzelmann blow; Ravics ruled out
The final game of the round pits two teams sitting in the bottom half of ladder against each other, both no doubt determined to get the two competition points on offer.
The Cowboys suffered a heartbreaking 28-26 defeat to Canterbury in Round 6 after pushing the Bulldogs all the way. While the result didn't go their way, there were encouraging signs in attack.
Cronulla, meanwhile, fell 24-10 to the Titans and enter Round 7 having lost four of its opening six matches. The Sharks have been competitive at times but have struggled to consistently finish opportunities.
For North Queensland, this clash represents an opportunity to build on the positive elements of last week's performance. For Cronulla, it's a chance to stay connected to the finals race.
Both sides will view this as a crucial contest, and with so much at stake, expect a physical encounter where effort and field position will prove decisive.
Match: Cowboys v Sharks
Round 7 -
home Team
Cowboys
9th Position
away Team
Sharks
10th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Team News
Cowboys: Centre Abigail Roache (knee) has been ruled out on Saturday so 23-year-old utility Kayla Jackson will make her club debut. The loss of Emma Manzelmann to a season-ending foot injury will see Alisha Foord start at hooker, while Lydia Turua-Quedley is set to line up at five-eighth. Nadia Windleborn is in line for an NRLW debut after being added to the bench. Fullback Fran Golthorp has scored four tries in her last five games.
Sharks: Marewakiterangi Samson has been added to the bench on Saturday and will make her NRLW debut. Leilani Ahsam goes back to 18th player. Cassie Staples is set to replace injured winger Georgia Ravics (calf). Prop Ellie Johnston has scored a try in all three games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Match: Cowboys v Sharks
Round 7 -
home Team
Cowboys
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Francesca GoldthorpFullback for Sharks is number 1 Jada Taylor
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Charlize Lloyd-PhillipsWinger for Sharks is number 5 Milla Elaro
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Jasmine PetersCentre for Sharks is number 2 Cassie Staples
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 20 Kayla JacksonCentre for Sharks is number 3 Tiana Penitani Gray
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Margot VellaWinger for Sharks is number 20 Marewakiterangi Samson
-
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Lydia Turua-QuedleyFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Georgia Hannaway
-
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Rosie KellyHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Madison Ashby
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Essay BanuProp for Sharks is number 8 Ellie Johnston
-
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Alisha FoordHooker for Sharks is number 9 Quincy Dodd
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Ashley MarstersProp for Sharks is number 11 Manilita Takapautolo
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Tallisha Harden2nd Row for Sharks is number 4 China Polata
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Bree Chester2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Jaydika Tafua
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Makenzie WealeLock for Sharks is number 13 Anne-Marie Kiria-Ratu
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Nadia WindlebornInterchange for Sharks is number 10 Caitlan Johnston-Green
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Lily DickInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Koffi Brookfield
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Tiana Raftstrand-SmithInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Tegan Dymock
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Tafao AsauaInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Jacinta Carter
Reserves
-
Replacement for Cowboys is number 18 Hailee-Jay Ormond-MaunsellReplacement for Sharks is number 18 Leilani Ahsam
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Cowboys have lost their last three games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
- The Sharks have won three of their four games against the Cowboys.
- Cowboys fullback Fran Goldthorp has scored four tries in her last five games.
- Sharks prop Ellie Johnston has scored a try in all three games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
