3 minute read
Cronulla's highest-paid player Nicho Hynes is yet to lead the team to a win in a finals match and must shine in the knockout final against North Queensland.
A GUIDE TO THE ELIMINATION FINAL BETWEEN CRONULLA AND NORTH QUEENSLAND
* When: Friday, 7.50pm AEST
* Where: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
* The form:
Cronulla (home-and-away season, 4th, 16 wins, 8 losses): Winners in five of their past nine matches
North Queensland (home-and-away season, 5th, 15 wins, 9 losses): Winners in seven of their past nine matches
* Head-to-head
Overall: Played 58: Sharks 38 wins, 20 losses
In finals: Played 5: Sharks 3 wins, 2 losses
Last time: Round 21, 2024: Cowboys 30 d Sharks 22 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
* Key players:
Nicho Hynes (Sharks): The enigmatic half has been out of form in recent weeks, but at his best has proven to be a match-winner for the Sharks. The No.7's Dally M Medal win in 2022 highlighted his diverse skill set. Hynes is yet to fire in a big game, but if he can find his mojo the Sharks are capable of beating any team. Needs to take the line on more directly, then his passing game and instinct will create plenty for ball-runners in support.
Tom Dearden (Cowboys): The co-captain and beating heart and soul of the Cowboys. Dearden has cemented himself as one of the game's leading halves, with his running and passing at the elite end of the spectrum. He controls the side's left-side attack with aplomb. It is Dearden's effort plays that make him such a valuable asset. Last week, when trailing 12-4 on the cusp of halftime, Dearden raced back to tip a grubber kick dead just ahead of Newcastle forward Tyson Frizell in a play that changed the game.
Briton Nikora (Sharks): Second-rower Nikora is one of the best hole-runners in the game today. The way he times his runs to perfection can also be a catalyst for Hynes to take the ball deep into the line and find the ever-present New Zealand international. When Nikora is on-song it is usually a sign that Cronulla are playing well. He has scored six tries in his past seven games and made 10 line-breaks in his past 12 matches.
Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys): While not the metre-eating beast of five years ago, Taumalolo is still one of the Cowboys' most influential players. The sight of him in the dressing room before a big match gives his teammates confidence. The Cowboys have won three of their five previous finals against the Sharks - in 2015, 2017 and 2022 - and on each occasion Taumalolo was the best, or close to the best, forward on the field. His second stint against Newcastle last week was dynamic and showed that he is still a major factor in all that is good in the Cowboys' play.