Josh Mercer previews the Thursday night battle between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Sydney Roosters. This is what we have to look forward to.
FORM LINE
North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys were dominated last week, losing to a red hot Eels outfit 42-4; even without halfback Mitchell Moses, the Eels were unstoppable. The massive loss has forced coach Paul Green to make a number of changes to the backline, including moving prize recruit Valentine Holmes from fullback to wing as he tries to find that winning formula.
Sydney Roosters
The Roosters lost to the Melbourne Storm last week, their first loss after the resumption of the competition. In an entertaining game, the Roosters lost in Golden Point 27-25 after a silly penalty was given within kicking distance. Injury woes continued for the Roosters as Boyd Cordner (head knock) and Daniel Tupou (ankle) were casualties in the loss.
SQUAD NEWS
North Queensland Cowboys
1. Hamiso Tabaui-Fidow 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Connelly Lemuelu 4. Esan Masters 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Jake Clifford 8. Josh McGuire 9. Reece Robson 10. Francis Molo 11. Shane Wright 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Ben Hampton 15. Tom Gilbert 16. Peter Hola 17. Giving Cooper 18. Murray Taulagi 19. Reuben Carter 20. Corey Jensen 21. Jake Granville.
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Ryan Hall 3. Josh Morris 4. Joey Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Luke Keary 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Angus Crichton 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Nat Butcher 14. Lachlan Lam 15 Sitili Tupouniua 16 Poasa Faamausili 17. Lindsey Collins 18. Daniel Fifita 19. Drew Hutchison 20. Freddy Lussick 21. Matt Ikuvalu.
KEY STAT
This match will be the first time since 2016 that the Roosters will play in North Queensland; unfortunately that wasn’t a happy night for the Roosters, as they went down 40-0.
BATTLE TO WATCH
Josh McGuire v Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
The battle of the match will be between front rowers Josh McGuire and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. Both men are tough and aggressive but can also give away a penalty when it’s not needed; it should be an entertaining battle though.
GAME DETAILS
Roosters by 16.
Date: Thursday, July 9
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Kick-off: 7:50pm
