SATURDAY AUGUST 10th 2024 5:30pm
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY BANK STADIUM,TOWNSVILLE
Cowboys and Broncos Set for High-Stakes Clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
As they head into their Queensland derby, both teams share similar goals— the Cowboys are aiming for a top-four finish, while the Broncos are fighting to break back into the top eight.
Although North Queensland is in a more comfortable position, they still face several challenges. Coach Todd Payten will be eager for his team to show significant improvement after being stretched to the limit by a 12-man Wests Tigers side last week.
Cowboys Facing Injury Concerns Ahead of Key Match
Payten also lost his versatile utility, Jake Granville, in the match, as he suffered a suspected pectoral injury shortly after halftime. Forward Heilum Luki was forced off the field for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) following a high tackle by Wests Tigers centre Justin Olam and did not return, making him likely to miss this week.
On a positive note, co-captain Reuben Cotter is expected to be ready for his return after recovering from a head knock sustained in Round 21.
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi , 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre, 11. Heilum Luki 13. Reuben Cotter, 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Thomas Mikaele , 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17. Griffin Neame, 18. Jaxon Purdue 19. Jake Clifford 20. Tomas Chester , 21. Semi Valemei 22. Marly Bitungane 24. Jeremiah Nanai
Broncos Reeling from Injuries as They Prepare for Clash
For the Broncos, their crushing defeat to the Titans was made worse by two significant injuries. Star forward Payne Haas was sidelined in the opening minutes with a Lisfranc injury, and five-eighth Ezra Mam soon followed with a syndesmosis injury.
With their season hanging by a thread, coach Kevin Walters will need to conjure something extraordinary to motivate his players and prevent a disastrous fall from grand finalists last year to missing out on the top eight this season.
Injuries to Payne Haas (foot) and Ezra Mam (ankle) have forced a major reshuffle with Josh Rogers taking over at five-eighth and Xavier Willison coming into the front row. With their season cooked, I would like to see Walsh at 6 outside Reynolds, and use Sailor at fullback, just to see how it would go.
Josiah Karapani will take the starting spot on the wing, replacing Corey Oates, who moves to the reserves. Tristan Sailor has been added to the bench.
Broncos
1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars , 6. Joshua Rogers 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Xavier Willison , 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan, 14. Blake Mozer 15. Kobe Hetherington, 16. Tristan Sailor 17. Martin Taupau , 18. Cory Paix 19. Benjamin Te Kura 20. Jaiyden Hunt , 21. Corey Oates 22. Vaa Semu
Referee. Ashley Klein ,Touch Judges, David Munro, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Bunker, Matt Noyen
Injury Updates and Key Stats
The Cowboys have allowed 96 points in their last three encounters with the Broncos.
Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has crossed the try-line 11 times in his past 10 games.
Cowboys second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has tallied six tries in his last four games against the Broncos.
The Broncos have conceded 30 or more points on seven occasions in 2024.
Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has scored nine tries in his last nine matchups against the Broncos.
Prediction.
The Broncos sunk deeper into trouble last week, collapsing in the second half against the Titans, while the Cowboys outplayed the Tigers but worryingly conceded 30 points. Brisbane is due for a resurgence, showing some of that Broncos spirit and pride in the jersey—especially against such a fierce rival. While an upset seems possible, it’s safer to tip the Cowboys at home. Watch out for the Broncos ambush.
Bulldogs vs Dragons
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