The pressure’s on for the Cowboys, with the grand final qualifier against the Sharks on Friday night at Allianz stadium. Teen sensation Kalyn Ponga has just been announced as a replacement for injured centre Kane Linnet.

Melissa Mackay reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Excitement is high.

The Cowboys are preparing for a chance at back-to-back premierships, while the Sharks are looking to break their 49-year drought.

Cowboys’ officials have to decide whether or not to let Kane Linnet play the field.

But coach Paul Green doesn’t seem worried either way, after standby player Kalyn Ponga made a great debut last week against the Broncos.

Paul Green, Cowboys Coach: “When you give young guys a chance like Kalyn, who’s a confident young kid, so they haven’t been through the ringer yet.”

Sharks coach Shane Flanagan is hopeful the Cowboys will continue their five-game streak of losing at Allianz stadium.

Shane Flanagan, Sharks Coach: “Well I hope they lose six! I don’t think blokes like JT and them will be too worried about coming here.”

Melissa Mackay, QUT News