The Sharks play host to the Cowboys at PointsBet Stadium in what is expected be an emotional occasion as both sides play in the inaugural Paul Green medal match on Thursday night.

Green, who played for both clubs before coaching the Cowboys to their maiden premiership in 2015, tragically passed away last year, with the two clubs uniting to name the player of the match medal from the game in Green's honour.

On the field, both sides are coming off crucial wins in Round 8 and will resume their rivalry having met on 50 occasions prior, with the Sharks leading the Cowboys in the head-to-head battle 32-18.

Their most recent encounter was a thrilling finals game last season which saw the Cowboys come out on top thanks to a Valentine Holmes field goal in Golden Point.

While it might have been Todd Payten's men who prevailed in last year's knockout rounds, Craig Fitzgibbon's side will head into Thursday's game as strong favourites with a 4-3 record in comparison to the Cowboys' 3-5 start to the year.

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Team News

Sharks: The Sharks are going with the same 17 that got the job done against the Bulldogs in Round 8 and there are no late changes. Braydon Trindall is 18th Man. Skipper Dale Finucane is due back from suspension next week at Magic Round.

Cowboys: In a game day switch Reuben Cotter goes back to the bench and Jake Granville will start as they did last week. Murray Taulagi was cited for a late tackle on Dane Gagai but is right to play after receiving a fine. Heilum Luki (hamstring) is still another week away. Riley Price is 18th Man.

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Stat Attack

  • The Sharks have won eight of their past nine games against the Cowboys.
  • Kyle Feldt has scored 13 tries in his past 15 games against the Sharks.
  • Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored 17 tries in 17 games at PointsBet Stadium.
  • Coen Hess will make his 150th NRL appearance since his debut in 2015.
  • Sharks fullback William Kennedy has scored nine tries in his past six games but has just three tries in his last eight games at PointsBet Stadium.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of theĀ .