NRL ROUND 18, JULY 1st, 2023
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY BANK STADIUM, TOWNSVILLE
In what promises to be a thrilling encounter on Saturday night, the North Queensland Cowboys will ignite the atmosphere at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville as they face off against the West Tigers. This Round 18 clash holds significant importance for the home team as they aim to secure a spot in the top eight with their recent run of confidence-boosting victories.
With three consecutive wins, including two triumphs at their home ground, the Cowboys have found their stride. The team has benefited from a well-timed bye, allowing them to recover physically and reduce their injury list. Excitement is building among Cowboys fans, especially with another bye and upcoming matches against struggling sides on the horizon.
The Cowboys’ confidence is soaring following their impressive win against the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium in Sydney. Their strong defensive performance stifled the Rabbitohs, limiting them to a score of 5-0 at halftime and dominating the second half to secure a commanding 31-6 victory.
The Cowboys’ historical win against the Tigers in Round 22 of the 2014 season, where they triumphed with a remarkable 64-6 scoreline at 1300Smiles Stadium, still resonates as they prepare for this clash.
Although the Cowboys will miss the presence of Jason Taumalolo, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury but named as the 18th man, they remain confident. Reece Robson, despite suffering a hamstring injury in the match against Souths, has been named to play. The team will rely on their formidable forward pack consisting of Jake Granville, Jeremiah Nanai, and Reuben Cotter to dominate in defense. Additionally, Scott Drinkwater, with his remarkable 53 tackle breaks this season, and Valentine Holmes, boasting an impressive average of 324 running meters, will lead a potent backline.
The Cowboys may also introduce the talented 19-year-old Kulikefu Finefeuiaki off the bench, as he continues to make a significant impact in the game.
On the other hand, the Tigers will need luck on their side as they come into this match following a crushing 28-6 defeat against the Storm in Round 16. With key players such as Apisai Koroisau and Luke Brooks out due to injuries, the Tigers face a challenging task.
Sitting in 16th place and winless since their previous encounter with the Cowboys, the Tigers are in desperate need of a turnaround. The recent news of Luke Brooks leaving the club at the end of the season, marking the end of the ‘big four’ era at the Tigers, has added to the team’s challenges. However, the Tigers will enter this match with fresh legs after their final bye of the season and will look for inspiration to pull off an upset.
As the teams prepare to take the field, the Cowboys’ home advantage and recent form make them the favorites. However, the Tigers, with their assistant coaches Robbie Farah and Benji Marshall having fond memories of playing against the Cowboys, will be determined to outplay their old teammates and secure a much-needed victory.
Wests Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Brent Naden 4. Starford To’a 5. Junior Tupou 6. Daine Laurie 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Jake Simpkin 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Shawn Blore 13. John Bateman 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Fonua Pole 16. Alex Twal 17. Asu Kepaoa 18. Alex Seyfarth 19. Will Smith 20. Tommy Talau 21. Justin Matamua 22. Aistasi James
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemei 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 18. Jason Taumalolo 19. Kyle Feldt 20. Sam McIntyre 21. Jack Gosiewski 22. Zac Laybutt
Referees: Liam Kennedy; Sideline Officials: Nick Morel, David Munro; Video Referees: Chris Butler;
PREDICTION
It has to be the Cowboys for me, the question is by how much? Nice and warm in Townsville I hear so there will be running footie. Cowboys, 13 plus, with any time try scorer Jeremiah Nanai as a bonus.
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