The most crucial match of Round 7 will kick off on Saturday when the Broncos take on the Sharks at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

All eyes will be on this game given the Broncos currently sit in fifth spot and are two points clear of the next best Sharks, with a four-point buffer on offer for Scott Prince's side if they're able to win a fourth match of the season.

Victory over the Sharks will put further pressure on the Raiders and Titans to conjure up wins in Round 7 or face the prospect of the Broncos leapfrogging them on the ladder.

Cronulla started their inaugural season with plenty of promise but have fallen away in the past month with three losses. They must win their final three games to put themselves in with a chance to play finals footy.

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Team news

Broncos: Ashleigh Werner (head knock) will play. Ali Brigginshaw broke her nose against the Raiders and despite looking unrecognisable this week she will also take her place at halfback. No changes when the teams were finalised 60 minutes before kick-off.

Sharks: Tegan Dymock will start in the front-row in a late swap with Cassie Staples. No other changes after there were two forced in the backline on Tuesday with Annessa Biddle (suspension) and Andie Robinson (knee) sidelined. Staples and former Kiwi Fern Kiana Takairangi come in for the pair. Maddie Studdon is the 18th player.

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Stat Attack

  • Both sides are averaging 17 points conceded per game this season.
  • The Broncos have won three of their past four games by an average of 23 points
  • Cronulla lead the competition in kick metres with 2,238 for the season