Josh Mercer previews the Queensland derby between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Dolphins; here’s what we have to look forward to.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
North Queensland Cowboys Vs The Dolphins
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Date: Friday, April 7, 8:00 pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Brendan Elliot 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Mitchell Dunn 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Coen Hess 12. Griffin Neame 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Tomas Chester 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Riley Price 18. Ben Hampton 19. Jack Gosiewski 20. Taniela Sadrugu 21. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 22. Jake Bourke
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Edrick Lee 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Herman Ese’ese 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Kurt Donoghoe 18. Poasa Faamausili 19. Mason Teague 20. JJ Collins 21. Jack Bostock 22. Robert Jennings
Referee: Adam Gee
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Cowboys are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Bulldogs in an entertaining game. They have had a mixed bag in the first five rounds, only winning two games.
They did lose Scott Drinkwater for three games due to suspension. He has found a home in the fullback position, and having his back this week is a bonus. That’s not to say Tom Chester didn’t do a good job – he is a star of the future.
Tom Dearden is playing out of his skin now; if the Cowboys continue to follow his lead, good things will come, and they will be in the top eight before they know it.
After a dream start to their first season, the Dolphins have lost two games in a row. They showed glimpses of brilliance in the game against the Dragons, but with Sean O’Sullivan out injured, Felise Kaufusi suspended, and Anthony Milford injured during the game, it was a big ask.
This weekend is a chance for the Dolphins to regroup and return to their winning ways. Wayne Bennett won’t be at panic stations yet, but another loss may be close.
As mentioned, Anthony Milford was injured in the Dragons’ loss, so Kodi Nikorima will partner Isaiya Katoa in the halves. Nikorima’s match-up with Tom Dearden will be one to watch in this game.
The battle of the forwards is also an intriguing one. Both packs are very experienced – though the Cowboys may have the edge over the Dolphins, there should still be some heavy contact during the game.
LAST TEN MATCHES
Cowboys 0, Dolphins 0
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Cowboys by 12 points.
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