Star halfbacks Tom Dearden and Nicho Hynes are set for an attacking duel when the Cowboys host Cronulla on Friday night.\u00a0<\/p>\n
North Queensland are desperate to bounce back from a heavy loss to the Sea Eagles last week and their No.7 will be instrumental to their chances.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With exciting attacking talent out wide, Dearden holds the keys to unlocking Jaxon Purdue, Scott Drinkwater and Braidon Burns.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A forward pack led by Jason Taumalolo will look to lead the platform up front, with the prop set to go face to face with his Tongan teammate Addin Fonua-Blake.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Sharks are well-rested after last week’s bye and have had two weeks to stew on a disappointing loss to the Roosters in Perth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hynes and five-eighth Braydon Trindall have been instrumental in the team’s early success this year and will look to pull off another victory on the road.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The halfback requires just six points to become the fourth player to score 800 points for the Sharks and will join Steve Rogers, Mat Rogers and Luke Covell if he reaches the milestone.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hooker Blayke Brailey has another chance to press his NSW Origin claims, while emerging talent Jesse Colquhoun has taken on a growing role for the Sharks.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Team News<\/p>\n
Cowboys: Jeremiah 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: Cam 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
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