NRL Round 1 Preview - Cowboys v Sharks @ 1300 Smiles Stadium

North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla Sharks @ 1300 Smiles Stadium
 
Preview - The Sharks will be looking for revenge, after their quest for back-to-back Premierships last season was ended by the Cowboys, as they take them on at 1300 Smiles Stadium in a battle of two sides with high expectations on Friday Night Football. The Sharks were heavy favourites at Allianz Stadium last year, however the Cowboys held on for an 18-14 win, and they went on to surge into the Grand Final from eighth spot in what was the fairy tale of the season. The Cowboys, despite losing co-captains Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott for the season, defied everyone last season, showing enormous quality and depth in the Club, before being soundly beaten by a rampant Melbourne Storm in the Grand Final. 
 
History - The Sharks had a decent record against the Cowboys before that Elimination Final loss at Allianz Stadium last season.   In Round 24, the Sharks took advantage of an injury-riddled Cowboys’ side to win 26-16 at 1300 Smiles Stadium. In Round 11, the Sharks trailed 14-0 at halftime, before rallying to knock off the Cowboys 18-14. These two sides met in last year’s Preliminary Final where the Sharks ambushed the Cowboys early on their way to the Grand Final, winning 32-20. Historically the Sharks hold the edge, with 27 wins to 17 over North Queensland. 

North Queensland Cowboys’ Scouting Report - The Cowboys appear to be starting the season in good health with both Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott back from long term injuries. Thurston brushed off the cobwebs with a commanding performance in the Cowboys’ 16-14 victory over the Storm in the testimonial game for Cameron Smith and Thurston at Suncorp Stadium. It will be interesting to see whether Michael Morgan takes a back seat to Thurston, or plays a dominant playmaking role this season, after he really stepped his game up last season in Thurston’s absence. 
 
Cronulla Sharks’ Scouting Report - It will be the first outing in Sharks’ colours for a couple of their new signings, with both Josh Dugan and Matt Moylan making their debuts for the Club. Moylan will be looking to lock down the five eight position long term, as he looks to rebound from a disappointing season last year, where he seemed to go off the rails at Penrith, not playing in their finals’ campaign, despite not being injured. Dugan has already had disciplinary issues, despite not playing a game for the Sharks, and will be on a tight leash this year and expected to be strong defensively in the centres.  
 
Verdict - Sharks by 1-8
 
I think the Sharks might be able to cause an upset here first up, off the back of the match-ups in the outside backs. The Cowboys’ outside backs pack a bit of pace for mine, and I think if the Sharks can match the Cowboys up front, then they have the skill and pace to defeat them out wide. What I'm most looking forward to in this game is what is sure to be a fiery and bruising battle between two experienced and quality forwards packs. There is sure to be niggle and plenty of fireworks early, and I’m expecting a cracker, but the Sharks to edge it in an upset.