The Cowboys have held off a fast-finishing Sharks to claim victory in a high-scoring thriller at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Fifteen tries and 80 points were scored in a frenetic contest, North Queensland ultimately prevailing 46-34 to consign Cronulla to a second-straight defeat in the highest scoring game of the year.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Murray Taulagi and KL Iro each scored hat-tricks, but it was a defensive play by halfback Tom Dearden to deny Iro his fourth with two minutes remaining that secured the victory.\u00a0<\/p>\n
We now head to a packed Suncorp Stadium as Brisbane look to build on a courageous win over Wests Tigers and make it five victories from their last six starts as they host the Bulldogs.<\/p>\n
Cameron Ciraldo’s men were shock losers to arch-rivals Parramatta last Sunday and find themselves in 10th spot with a 3-3 record as they search for the kind of form that carried them all the way to week two of the finals last year.<\/p>\n
Follow all the action from Round 8 of the NRL Telstra Premiership on NRL.com’s live blog.<\/p>\n
Broncos v Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium<\/p>\n
Half-time:\u00a0Adam Reynolds attempted to put a punctuation mark on a dominant half of football with a two-point field goal but it was not to be. Regardless, the Broncos hold a 20-point lead after a sensational 40 minutes. Canterbury had the early chances, Brisbane weathered the storm and then punished their opponents in the back-end of the half.\u00a0Broncos 20 – Bulldogs 0.\u00a0<\/p>\n
38th minute:\u00a0The Broncos have their fourth and their fans in the stands are on their feet. The hosts attacked down the short side from inside their own half, Jordan Riki produced an outstanding flick pass, Deine Mariner then linked up with Cory Paix for the try.\u00a0Broncos 20 – Bulldogs 0.<\/p>\n
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Deine Mariner Try<\/p>\n
34th minute:\u00a0Brisbane have capitalised on the extra man, Deine Mariner scoring a spectacular try in the corner. The winger had plenty of work to do, but leapt through the air to ground the ball on the line before the Bulldogs cover defence came across to bump him into touch.\u00a0Broncos 16 – Bulldogs 0.<\/p>\n
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Harry Hayes sent to the bin<\/p>\n
28th minute:\u00a0The blows keep on coming for Canterbury, who are defending their line yet again. Viliame Kikau has succumbed to that pectoral injury he suffered earlier in the half and will not return to the contest. Harry Hayes has also been penalised for a trip on Adam Reynolds after the Broncos halfback kicked into the in-goal. The Bulldogs has been placed on report and sent to the sin bin. Brisbane took the two points and Reynolds extends the lead to 12. Broncos 12 – Bulldogs 0.<\/p>\n
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Josiah Karapani Try<\/p>\n
22nd minute:\u00a0The Broncos have their second as they capitalise on another Canterbury penalty. Brisbane attacked left, Ezra Mam spotted Josiah Karapani all alone on the sideline and delivered a perfect cut-out pass to his winger for the try.\u00a0Broncos 10 – Bulldogs 0. <\/p>\n
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Gehamat Shibasaki Try<\/p>\n
17th minute:\u00a0Suncorp Stadium has erupted after Gehamat Shibasaki scored a miraculous try. Astute kicking by Adam Reynolds earned the hosts multiple repeat sets, before Ezra Mam delivered a grubber that produced the opening points of the game. Marcelo Montoya got an awful bounce as he attempted to tap the ball dead and missed the ball. Shibasaki was on the spot, reeling it in and grounding the ball before he travelled past the dead-ball line. Adam Reynolds then curled the ball back to land the sideline conversion. Broncos 6 – Bulldogs 0.<\/p>\n
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The Broncos young guns are flying on defence<\/p>\n
13th minute:\u00a0The Broncos have come to play tonight and their defence has been exceptional throughout the opening 13 minutes. Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton looked likely to score down the right edge, but Brisbane scrambled to eventually bundle the centre into touch. The Broncos then received a penalty and will now have their own chance to strike.\u00a0Broncos 0 – Bulldogs 0.\u00a0<\/p>\n
9th minute:\u00a0Canterbury built plenty of pressure, forcing two line dropouts but Brisbane’s defence was up to the task. Stephen Crichton came close to scoring a couple of times, however couldn’t find a way through. Jordan Riki eventually cleaned up a Lachlan Galvin kick to secure possession for the Broncos. Play has now stopped temporarily as Viliame Kikau receives treatment for what looks to be a shoulder or neck injury, but the Bulldogs back-rower will play on for now.\u00a0Broncos 0 – Bulldogs 0.\u00a0<\/p>\n
5th minute:\u00a0It’s been an end to end start to this contest, with each team receiving penalties that handed them attacking field position. A Broncos attacking set ultimately came to an end when Jonathan Sua successfully defused an Adam Renyolds bomb. Now it’s Canterbury’s chance to attack.\u00a0Broncos 0 – Bulldogs 0.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Kick-off:\u00a0We are underway at a rainy Suncorp Stadium, with Canterbury looking to stun the Broncos in enemy territory. Captain Stephen Crichton is back on deck, while Brisbane continue to battle a lengthy injury list.\u00a0Broncos 0 – Bulldogs 0.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Pre-game:\u00a0The two teams have walked on to the field together for a pre-game Anzac Ceremony as light rain falls at Suncorp Stadium. The sold-out crowd stands in silence for the ceremony to pay their respects to our Defence Force personnel and their sacrifices.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Late Mail<\/p>\n
Broncos:\u00a0Fullback Jesse Arthars was initially named to play but hasn’t come up. “He has a bit of cork down the shin there that bled into the calf so that was unfortunate,” coach Michael Maguire said on Thursday. Hayze Perham has come into the side at fullback and Thomas Duffy is added to the bench. Hooker Cory Paix is also set to slide straight back into the No.9 jumper after recovering from a head knock. No such luck for Payne Haas or Corey Jensen, who will miss Friday’s match. Ben Talty and Jack Gosiewksi are set to start at prop in a new-look front row. No further changes in Friday’s final team update, Cameron Bukowski dropping out of the squad.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bulldogs: Coach Cameron Ciraldo has unveiled a shock late change in the final team update, promoting Jake Turpin to the starting hooker role and shifting Bailey Hayward to the bench. There is one other change to the interchange, Jethro Rinakama coming in and Lipoi Hopoi dropping out. Captain Stephen Crichton is set to complete his comeback from a shoulder injury after just falling short of an early return last week. The Bulldogs will be without Jacob Kiraz on Friday night after the winger succumbed to a knee injury. Jonathan Sua will start in his place, having replaced Kiraz in the second half last week. Alekolasimi Jones and Alex Conti came out of the side in the 24-hour update.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cowboys v Sharks at Queensland Country Bank Stadium<\/p>\n
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Cowboys v Sharks – Round 8, 2026<\/p>\n
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NRL Press Conference: Cowboys v Sharks – Round 8, 2026<\/p>\n
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Heilum Luki Try<\/p>\n
Full-time:\u00a0Heilum Luki has put the icing on a chaotic victory over the Sharks. Cronulla were throwing the ball around in a desperate bid for points, KL Iro spilled the ball, Luki picked up the loose ball and ran 50 metres to secure a dramatic win. The try took us to 80\u00a0points for the match, marking the highest scoring game of the year.\u00a0Cowboys 46 – Sharks 34.<\/p>\n
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Another clutch tackle from the Cowboys<\/p>\n
78th minute:\u00a0We are off to the Bunker with KL Iro coming within inches of scoring his fourth try of the night. Nicho Hynes kicked for Sam Stonestreet, the winger passed to Iro, who set off for the corner. The Cowboys cover defence won the race, however, with Tom Dearden ensuring Iro went into touch just before he reached the try line.\u00a0Cowboys 42 – Sharks 34.<\/p>\n
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KL Iro 3rd Try<\/p>\n
76th minute:\u00a0Cronulla have got one back and maybe, just maybe, they still have a chance. Nicho Hynes was superb in the lead up, Addin Fonua-Blake produced an exceptional pass and KL Iro has a hat-trick. Eight-point game with a tick under four minutes to play. At 76 points, this is now the highest scoring game of the year. Cowboys 42 – Sharks 34.<\/p>\n
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Tom Dearden Try<\/p>\n
74th minute:\u00a0North Queensland are within touching distance of the two competition points now, Jason Taumalolo producing an offload to stretch the Sharks defence. Tom Dearden capitalised, getting on the outside of Braydon Trindall to surge over for the try.\u00a0Cowboys 42 – Sharks 28.<\/p>\n
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That’s a game changing tackle!<\/p>\n
72nd minute:\u00a0A big defensive play by the Cowboys, with Thomas Mikaele shooting out of the line to force an error and help his side defend their line. From there Scott Drinkwater produced a 40\/20 and the hosts can seal this victory now. North Queensland have lost Murray Taulagi to an HIA, the winger suffering a head knock attempting to tackle Sifa Talakai. Cowboys 36 – Sharks 28.<\/p>\n
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Drinkwater nails a 40\/20<\/p>\n
69th minute:\u00a0The Cowboys think they have sealed this victory but the officials have spotted a forward pass and the Sharks survive. A Jason Taumalolo put the hosts on the attack and Reuben Cotter looked to have scored, however it was not to be.\u00a0Cowboys 36 – Sharks 28.<\/p>\n
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Soni Luke Try<\/p>\n
67th minute:\u00a0North Queensland are one step closer to victory after Soni Luke darted over from dummy half. Tom Mikaele stood in the tackle, produced a quick play the ball, the markers short up and Luke burst through for the try.\u00a0 Cowboys 36 – Sharks 28.\u00a0<\/p>\n
64th minute:\u00a0Heart in mouth moment for both sides after Mawene Hiroti was unable to reel in a bomb. Jeremiah Nanai came up with the ball but was just dragged down short of the try line. It was the last tackle and the Sharks survive. At the other end of the field, Nicho Hynes sliced straight through, but Braydon Trindall was unable to reel in an offload and the Cowboys survive.\u00a0Cowboys 30 – Sharks 28.<\/p>\n
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KL Iro 2nd Try<\/p>\n
58th minute:\u00a0KL Iro has a second and suddenly the margin is just two. Jake Clifford sent the kick off dead on the full, handing Cronulla another chance to strike. The visitors were happy to oblige, Iro charging through a gap to score the try.\u00a0Cowboys 30 – Sharks 28.<\/p>\n
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KL Iro Try<\/p>\n
55th minute:\u00a0“This is Nicho Hynes’ time to step up” Michael Ennis said in commentary and the Sharks halfback was clearly listening. A Cowboys error in the set after points put the visitors back on attack and Hynes produced a superb cut-out pass to send KL Iro over for the try. Hynes, however, add the extras and the deficit remains beyond a converted try. Cowboys 30 – Sharks 22.<\/p>\n
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Murray Taulagi 3rd Try<\/p>\n
52nd minute:\u00a0Murray Taulagi has a hat-trick and the Cowboys have retaken control of this contest. North Queensland received a second penalty after the successful Captain’s Challenge and their left-edge attack proved too good for the Sharks defence. Scott Drinkwater produced another superb pass and Taulagi had the finish to extend his side’s lead.\u00a0Cowboys 30 – Sharks 18.\u00a0<\/p>\n
50th minute:\u00a0Cronulla have had the upper hand through the opening exchanges of this half and they’ve received another boost with Cameron McInnes injected into the contest. The substitution marks McInnes’ first action since tearing his ACL in Round 24 last year. Meanwhile, we’ve got a Captain’s Challenge from the Cowboys after Scott Drinkwater spilled a bomb. Briton Nikora clattered into the fullback before the ball arrived and North Queensland receive the penalty. It’s a big shift, from a defensive set on their own line to an easy exit out of their own end.\u00a0Cowboys 26 – Sharks 18.<\/p>\n
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Blayke Brailey Try<\/p>\n
45th minute:\u00a0They couldn’t score a couple of minutes ago but this time the Sharks break through. Another error by Reed Mahoney put Cronulla back on the attack, Oregon Kaufusi attracted four defenders as he charged to the line, somehow managed to produce an offload and Blayke Brailey scored a crucial try. Cowboys 26 – Sharks 18.\u00a0<\/p>\n
43rd minute:\u00a0Frustration building among the Sharks after an early missed chance. A forward pass by Reed Mahoney put the visitors on the attack but Cronulla barely threatened the Cowboys defensive line. The opportunity came to an end when Briton Nikora was bundled into touch.\u00a0Cowboys 26 – Sharks 12.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Kick-off:\u00a0We are back for the second half, with Cronulla desperate to strike first and get back in this contest. The Cowboys were exceptional in the final 15 minutes of the first half and will be looking to pick up where they left off.\u00a0Cowboys 26 – Sharks 12.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Half-time:\u00a0The siren has sounded on a frenetic half of football, North Queensland running in five tries to two to take a 14-point lead into the sheds. Fullback Scott Drinkwater was in the thick of the action, scoring a try and setting up two others in a scintillating attacking display. Cronulla were impressive early but started to struggle as the fatigue built towards the end of the half.\u00a0Cowboys 26 – Sharks 12.<\/p>\n
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Braidon Burns Try<\/p>\n
39th minute:\u00a0It didn’t take the Cowboys long the capitalise, Braidon Burns leaping through the air to cap a stunning 13-minute onslaught. Scott Drinkwater attacked down the shortside, Burns had too much power for KL Iro and somehow grounded the ball before being pushed into touch.\u00a0Cowboys 26 – Sharks 12. \u00a0<\/p>\n
37th minute:\u00a0North Queensland will have one last chance to strike after Sifa Talakai spilled the ball in the tackle. The error came after a powerful carry, but it’s the Cowboys who ultimately earn the reward.\u00a0Cowboys 22 – Sharks 12.<\/p>\n
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Reed Mahoney Try<\/p>\n
34th minute:\u00a0The fatigue of a frenetic first half is starting to weigh down on the Sharks, who have now conceded their fourth try of the contest. Tom Chester broke through from deep inside his own half to put the Cowboys on the attack and Cronulla never regrouped. Reed Mahoney eventually scored the try, darting from the base of the ruck to capitalise on some tired defenders.\u00a0Cowboys 22 – Sharks 12.<\/p>\n
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Murray Taulagi 2nd Try<\/p>\n
28th minute:\u00a0In a game like this it was only a matter of time before we had more points and it’s the Cowboys who break through. Jaxon Purdue put his side on the attack with a break from inside his own half, beating multiple Sharks defenders before eventually being dragged down. The visitors couldn’t get set defensively and Murray Taulagi barged his way over for his second of the night.\u00a0Cowboys 16 – Sharks 12.\u00a0<\/p>\n
22nd minute:\u00a0The match has settled down slightly but both teams are still having plenty of success moving up and down the field. Cowboys coach Todd Payten has turned to his bench, injecting Jeremiah Nanai into the contest for his first taste of NRL action for the year.\u00a0Cowboys 10 – Sharks 12.<\/p>\n
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Murray Taulagi Try<\/p>\n
15th minute:\u00a0This game is being played at a helter-skelter pace and the Cowboys have hit straight back as the points continue to flow. An error from Toby Rudolf on the kick return handed the hosts possession and Scott Drinkwater helped dissect the Sharks right edge to send Murray Taulagi over for the try.\u00a0Cowboys 10 – Sharks 12.<\/p>\n
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Siosifa Talakai 2nd Try<\/p>\n
12th minute:\u00a0Sifa Talakai has a double and the Sharks have two tries in two sets. Addin Fonua-Blake produced a quick play the ball, Blayke Brailey darted from dummy half and the visitors were off and running. Will Kennedy, Nicho Hynes and Billy Burns were all involved as the ball eventually made its way to Talakai, who crossed in the corner. It’s his first double since 2023. Cowboys 6 – Sharks 10<\/p>\n
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Siosifa Talakai Try<\/p>\n
10th minute:\u00a0Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon shook up his backline for this clash and it’s already paying dividends for the Sharks. Sifa Talakai has producing multiple dominant carries since coming into the centres. This time he got on the outside of Jaxon Purdue before carrying Murray Taulagi over the try line to score Cronulla’s first try of the night. Cowboys 6 – Sharks 6<\/p>\n
8th minute:\u00a0We’re off to the Bunker after Billy Burns scooped up a loose ball to ground the ball. Nicho Hynes put up a bomb, with Teig Wilton leaping through the air to challenge for the catch. Replays show the ball touched Wilton’s hand and travelled backwards, before Addin Fonua-Blake knocked the ball out of Scott Drinkwater’s hands. The ruling is a Sharks knock on, with North Queensland surviving a scare.\u00a0Cowboys 6 – Sharks 0.<\/p>\n
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Scott Drinkwater Try<\/p>\n
4th minute:\u00a0The Sharks have made a couple of unforced errors through the opening exchanges of this contest, handing the Cowboys early attacking opportunities. It didn’t take long for the hosts to capitalise, Scott Drinkwater slicing through the Cronulla defensive line to open the scoring.\u00a0Cowboys 6 – Sharks 0.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Kick-off:\u00a0We are underway at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, with both sides looking to bounce back from last-start losses. Cronulla have an impressive recent record against the Cowboys but Todd Payten’s side welcomes back Reed Mahoney, Murray Taulagi and Jeremiah Nanai for tonight’s clash. The Sharks also have a big name back on deck, with Cam McInnes playing his first game since tearing his ACL late last year.\u00a0Cowboys 0 – Sharks 0.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Pre-game:\u00a0The players have entered the field for a pre-game Anzac Ceremony to commemorate the sacrifices made by Defence Force personnel to defend our country.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Stat Attack<\/p>\n
The Cowboys have defeated the Sharks only once in six clashes at QCB Stadium.
\nThe Sharks have won six of their last seven games against the Cowboys.
\nCowboys winger Murray Taulagi has scored six tries in his last eight games at QCB Stadium
\nSharks halfback Nicho Hynes requires six points to reach 800 points for the club.
\nThe Cowboys have conceded 69 points in their last two games.<\/p>\n
Late Mail<\/p>\n
Cowboys:\u00a0Jeremiah Nanai will make his comeback from off-season shoulder surgery via the interchange after coach Todd Payten made a late switch on game day. Tom Mikaele will start in the back row, with Nanai shifting to the bench. Reed Mahoney and Murray Taulagi will also return from head knocks suffered a fortnight ago. Mahoney’s comeback sees Soni Luke shift to the interchange, while Taulagi replaces Zac Laybutt on the wing. Kai O\u2019Donnell and Kaiden Lahrs dropped out of the squad 24 hours before kick-off. Laybutt remains on the six-man bench as injury cover.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sharks:\u00a0Cam McInnes has been cleared for his first game since tearing his ACL in Round 24 last year. The inspirational skipper will come off the bench on Friday night. Sifa Talakai is also set for a new role and will shift to the centres as Craig Fitzgibbon shakes up his backline. Mawene Hiroti moves to the wing with Sione Katoa dropping out of the squad in Thursday’s 24-hour update along with Tuku Hau Tapuha. No further changes in Friday’s 90-minute team update.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Cowboys have held off a fast-finishing Sharks to claim victory in a high-scoring thriller at Queensland Country…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":395302,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[111,139,69,213],"class_list":["post-395301","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-new-zealand","tag-newzealand","tag-nz","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/395301","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=395301"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/395301\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/395302"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=395301"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=395301"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=395301"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}