Star halfbacks Tom Dearden and Nicho Hynes are set for an exciting attacking duel when they host Cronulla on Friday night.

The Cowboys are 4-3 in their first seven games of the season, with a disappointing loss to Manly Sea Eagles last Thursday.

The Sharks had a bye and should be well-rested as they’ve had plenty of time to stew over their loss against the Roosters where they blew a 16 point lead.

Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes look to continue their instrumental form in the team’s early success this year and will look to pull off another victory on the road.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this match, check out our Cowboys vs Sharks tips and predictions below.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Cowboys welcome back key reinforcements, with Jeremiah Nanai making his first appearance of the year after his off-season shoulder surgery, with Reed Mahoney and Murray Taulagi returning from concussion protocols.

Their defence should be a priority this week, as their defensive frailties remain a serious issue, as they have conceded 69 points in their last two games combined.

The Sharks get a boost in experienced forward Cameron McInnes who returns ahead of schedule from an ACL injury, while Nicho Hynes is within six points of becoming just the fourth player in club history to reach 800 points.

Cronulla’s consistency and recent form should rise above the Cowboys’ hopes to get a win at home, and their history has been too strong to suggest the home side can get a leg up on the road team. 

Betting tip: Cronulla Sharks.

First Try Scorer Prediction

The Cowboys' struggles in defence could allow a physical, hard-running prop like Addin Fonua-Blake to find soft edges to target all night.

With rest, Fonua-Blake will come out with plenty of energy and intent early, which could be the recipe for being the first try scorer.

Betting tip: Addin Fonua-Blake.

Over/Under Prediction

Four of North Queensland’s last five matches have gone under the total match points.

Betting tip: Under (53.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

Cronulla has covered this line in each of its last seven Friday night matches.

Betting tip: Cronulla Sharks (-2.5) line.

Cowboys vs Sharks Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Braidon Burns

Braidon Burns has scored at least one try in each of North Queensland’s last five matches against opponents that were ranked higher on the ladder.

Jake Clifford

Jake Clifford has scored a try in three of North Queensland’s last four home matches.

KL Iro

KL Iro has scored at least one try in six of his last seven interstate appearances.

Braydon Trindall

Braydon Trindall has scored at least one try in four of Cronulla’s last five matches against North Queensland.

Cowboys vs Sharks Teams

North Queensland Cowboys Team List

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Braidon Burns

3. Jaxon Purdue

4. Tom Chester

5. Murray Taulagi

6. Jake Clifford

7. Tom Dearden (c)

8. Coen Hess

9. Reed Mahoney

10. Jason Taumalolo

11. Heilum Luki

12. Jeremiah Nanai

13. Reuben Cotter

14. Soni Luke

15. Sam McIntyre

16. Thomas Mikaele

17. Griffin Neame

18. Matthew Lodge

Cronulla Sharks Team List

1. William Kennedy

2. Mawene Hiroti

3. Siosifa Talakai

4. KL Iro

5. Samuel Stonestreet

6. Braydon Trindall

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Addin Fonua-Blake

9. Blayke Brailey (c)

10. Toby Rudolf

11. Billy Burns

12. Teig Wilton

13. Jesse Colquhoun

14. Briton Nikora

15. Cameron McInnes

16. Oregon Kaufusi

17. Thomas Hazelton

18. Hohepa Puru

Cowboys vs Sharks Match Details

Date: Friday, April 24, 2026.

Kick-off: 6:00pm AEDT.

Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.