The Cronulla Sharks secured a decisive 36-12 victory over the North Queensland Cowboys on March 15, 2025, marking their 13th win out of 15 meetings against the Cowboys, solidifying their status as the Cowboys' bogey team.
Despite not delivering a perfectly polished performance, the Sharks displayed commendable resilience and skill. This game was more than just another regular-season match; it served as affirmation of Cronulla's ability to keep pace with the reigning champions.
Halves Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall played pivotal roles, particularly as they improved their synergy throughout the game. Their best moment came when they set up Sam Stonestreet for a try, showcasing the Sharks' capacity to capitalize on their opportunities.
Coach Craig Fitzgibbon noted the team’s grueling travel schedule, stating, "We’re taking it one trip at a time," as the Sharks prepare to cover 40,000 kilometers across the first nine rounds of the season. This challenging itinerary highlights the team’s endurance and determination to stay competitive.
Looking ahead, the Sharks are set to play against South Sydney, with their upcoming matches benefiting from favorable conditions. With five home games and only two byes remaining, the Sharks are poised to make a strong push toward the finals.
Despite their attacking play still needing refinement—there's plenty of time left to sharpen their skills—the Sharks’ defense stood out. One particularly noteworthy defensive play was executed by fullback Will Kennedy, who pushed Cowboys' player Murray Taulagi out of play just before halftime, preventing any late first-half resurgence by the Cowboys.
The Cowboys’ night was marred by errors, allowing the Sharks to inflict damage on the scoreboard every time North Queensland faltered. During one of the challenging periods for the Cowboys, they showcased surprising resilience with strong defense even when they were down to 12 men due to the sin-binning of Jaxon Purdue.
Throughout the match, the Cowboys struggled to maintain their form. The game saw penalties contribute to their woes, and coach Todd Payten is now faced with difficult decisions as Jeremiah Nanai, for example, was relegated to the Queensland Cup following this match.
Adding to the Cowboys' challenges, Braidon Burns suffered a hamstring injury and did not return for the second half, leaving the team thin on options as they prepare to meet the Brisbane Broncos on March 21, 2025. This is set to be another fierce contest as the Cowboys seek to regain their footing after this setback.
With the victories keeping their spirits high, the Sharks are focused on the immediate challenge against South Sydney, hoping to translate their momentum from this match to consistent success for the rest of the season.