Defensive Struggles and Milestone Moments: Cowboys vs Titans Clash in Queensland Derby
SUNDAY, APRIL7th, 2024 QUEENSLAND COUNTRY BANK STADIUM, TOWNSVILLE
Cowboys Defense Tested
The Cowboys are likely to feel assured about recovering from their initial loss of the season as they prepare to welcome the Titans on Sunday afternoon in Townsville.
The Cowboys have conceded 18 points to the Dolphins, 20 points to the Knights, 24 points to the Dragons and 38 points to the Broncos last week.
Optimism Despite Defensive Woes
While the Cowboys can pile on the points in attack, their defence has been suspect for a while now.
Nevertheless, it’s still been an encouraging start to the season for North Queensland, who have won three of their four games, but it’s slightly concerning that their first true test for 2024 last week resulted in a 38-12 loss to the Broncos.
The Cowboys have won 10 of their last 11 home games against the Titans though and that should continue on Sunday
Titans Struggle Continues
Mean while it’s been a nightmare start to the season for Des Hasler and the Titans – they’ve lost all three games by 16+ points and have scored just 18 points combined, being held pointless in a 32-0 loss to the Dogs as well.
Titans’ Offense in the Spotlight
Creativity in attack looks to be an issue for the Titans under Hasler, but this could be a good game for them to pick things up.
Lineups and Milestones
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Tomas Chester 19. Thomas Mikaele 20. Semi Valemei 21. Marly Bitungane 22. Jake Clifford
Titans
1. Jayden Campbell 2. Harley Smith-Shields 3. Brian Kelly 4. AJ Brimson 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. Klese Haas 12. Beau Fermor 13. Erin Clark 14. Sam Verrills 15. David Fifita 16. Joe Stimson 17. Josiah Pahulu 18. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 19. Tony Francis 20. Thomas Weaver 21. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 22. Jacob Alick
Referees: Chris Butler
Side line Officials: Nick Pelgrave, Tyson Brough
Video Referees: Liam Kennedy
Cowboys have won 10 of their last 11 home games vs Titans
Titans are 0-3 in 2024
Cowboys have leaked 18+ points in all four games this season
Jeremiah Nanai has scored a try in his last seven games vs teams on a losing run
Kyle Feldt has scored a try in six of his last seven games in Townsville
AJ Brimson has scored a try in six of his last 10 games vs Cowboys
Key Statistics and Predictions
Both teams, coming off losses, are set to clash once again in another all-Queensland Derby.
The absence of Phillip Sami and Issac Liu, due to an ankle injury and failed HIA respectively, further dims the Titans’ chances of victory. Josiah Pahulu earns his NRL debut from the bench, while new recruit Harley Smith-Shields and Jojo Fifita join him as the three changes from last week’s lineup.
Jaimin Jolliffe shifts to prop to cover for Liu, and Erin Clark starts at lock as a consequence. On a brighter note for the Titans, Brian Kelly marks his 150th NRL game, and Beau Fermor celebrates his 50th.
Meanwhile, Jake Granville achieves a milestone for the Cowboys, playing his 200th game for the club off the bench, with the rest of the line-up remaining unchanged from last week.
Cowboys 13 plus for me.
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