LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

Cowboys v Sharks: Whitfeld eyes comeback; Cronulla chase upset

The North Queensland Cowboys are set to leverage a significant home-field advantage as they face off against the Sharks in the first round of the NRLW finals series.

After dropping to fourth place following a recent loss to Brisbane, the Cowboys had previously accumulated enough points in the season to earn a home final at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

This season, North Queensland secured three wins out of five matches played in Townsville and drew confidence from their earlier road victory against Cronulla at Sharks Stadium in Round 3.

On that occasion, Krystal Blackwell was a standout performer, with the Cowboys' outside backs establishing a solid foundation for their success in recent games.

The return of playmaker Kirra Dibb has also been a significant morale booster, as she aims to guide her team past last year's grand finalists.

Conversely, the Sharks have faced numerous challenges due to injuries throughout the season and enter the finals following a two-game losing trend.

Nonetheless, they have proven that they belong among the league's best teams when at their peak and are heading north with intentions of pulling off an upset.