Queensland Country Bank Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 2 NRL game between North Queensland Cowboys and Cronulla Sharks. The game kicks off at 5:30 pm with Cronulla Sharks heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the North Queensland Cowboys vs. Cronulla Sharks game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday March 15, 2025 at 5:30 pm

Where: Queensland Country Bank Stadium

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North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks Odds

North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks Preview

Round 1 losers North Queensland and Cronulla square off in Townsville on Saturday evening – but the Sharks could take far more positives out of the initial 2025 performance.

The Cowboys were blown off the park in a 42-12 loss to Manly, conceding three tries in the first 10 minutes as the Sea Eagles peppered their left edge then set about destroying them through the middle.

To their credit, the Cowboys stemmed the tide to kept their line intact for the last 25 minutes and score the last two tries with Braidon Burns and Viliami Vailea playing well on the right side.

Todd Payten reacted to the rout by dropping Origin forward Jeremiah Nanai for Kai O’Donnell, who is back in the NRL after three seasons in England. Jason Taumalolo and Jake Clifford are among the reserves.

The Sharks stayed in the fight with Penrith in Las Vegas, ultimately going down 28-22 when the match threatened to get away from them.

Nicho Hynes’ leadership and direction again came under the microscope, but Braydon Trindall continued his 2024 finals form and Addin Fonua-Blake has already proved his worth up front.

The Cowboys have won just two of their last 13 against the Sharks, but they prevailed 30-22 in Townsville in Round 21 – though Nicho Hynes and Will Kennedy were missing. The Sharks won 42-6 at home in Round 6.

Traditionally a different team at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the Cowboys went 8-5 at home last season but also conceded 40-plus to also-rans the Warriors and Broncos. The defeat in Townsville was only one of two in seven interstate games the Sharks suffered in 2024.

The Cowboys already had a question mark over their defence and last week’s showing only cast more doubt. If AFB gets the Sharks rolling forward, this could be a tough night out for the North Queensland faithful.

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