Chloe Schibeci previews the Sunday evening game between the Cowboys and the Dragons. This is what we have to look forward to.
FORM LINE
North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys have struggled this season, sitting 14th on the ladder after winning only three games. Their last win was back in June against the Newcastle Knights. Last weekend they played and lost against the Cronulla Sharks. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, they lost captain Michael Morgan to another injury, and his return to the side is yet to be determined.
St. George Illawarra Dragons
With just four rounds to go, the Dragons will have to win each game with a few other results going their way if they wish to make the top eight. Their last three games have all been tight margins. They defeated the Eels by two, the Broncos by four, and last weekend they lost to the Titans by four, after a try was scored in the final five minutes.
SQUAD NEWS
North Queensland Cowboys
1. Valentine Holmes, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Justin O’Neill, 4. Esan Marsters, 5. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 6. Scott Drinkwater, 7. Jake Clifford, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Reuben Cotter, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Gavin Cooper, 12. Mitchell Dunn, 13. Josh McGuire, 14. Daejarn Asi, 15. John Asiata, 16. Tom Gilbert, 17. Corey Jensen, 18. Shane Wright, 19. Jake Granville, 20. Peter Hola, 21. Ben Hampton
St. George Illawarra Dragons
1. Matthew Dufty, 2. Jordan Pereira, 3. Euan Aitken, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Corey Norman, 7. Adam Clune, 8. Blake Lawrie, 9. Ben Hunt, 10. Josh Kerr, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Jacob Host, 13. Cameron McInnes, 14. Billy Brittain, 15. Jackson Ford, 16. Tyrell Fuimaono, 17. Kaide Ellis, 18. Eddie Blacker, 19. Tristan Sailor, 20. Jayden Sullivan, 21. Max Feagai
KEY STAT
In 32 games, the Cowboys have won 16, as have the Dragons. They met twice last year, the first time was in March when the Cowboys claimed a 12 point victory. The second was a Friday night in June, where the Dragons won by eight points.
BATTLE TO WATCH
The battle of the fullbacks; Valentine Holmes and Matthew Dufty. Last weekend against the Sharks was Valentine Holmes’ first game back from an injury, which had kept him out since round nine. He received a warm welcome when he returned to the wing, and this week will line up at fullback.
11 tries and nine try assists, Matthew Dufty has been an invaluable member of the Dragons’ squad this season. He hasn’t missed a game since round four, playing 14 from 16 games this season.
Both are strong players for their respective clubs. Dufty has proven to be an asset to the Dragons in a not-so-fantastic year, while Holmes is just freshly returning to his beloved fullback position after an extended stint on the sideline, and will be hoping to contribute to a win on Sunday evening; which would be their fourth for the season.
GAME DETAILS
Date: Sunday, September 6
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Kick-off: 6:30 pm
