Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 14 clash between the North Queensland Cowboys and New Zealand Warriors.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
North Queensland Cowboys Vs New Zealand Warriors
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Date: Sunday June 8, 5:30pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Sam McIntyre 10. Griffin Neame 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Thomas Mikaele 14. Tom Chester 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Jamal Shibasaki 17. Jason Taumalolo 18. Thomas Duffy 19. Valentine Holmes 20. Murray Taulagi 21. Tom Dearden 22. Reece Robson 23. Jeremiah Nanai 24. Reuben Cotter
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Te Maire Martin 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Marata Niukore 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Tom Ale 17. Kurt Capewell 18. Freddy Lussick 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Edward Kosi 23. Moala Graham-Taufa
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
This is a clash between two recent preliminary finalists who haven’t lived up to their potential so far in 2024.
North Queensland is arguably the most frustrating team in the NRL: they won four of their first five games, lost five straight, then won three in a row. They’ve conceded 331 points in 13 games, the third-worst defence in 2024 (only ahead of South Sydney’s 374 and Parramatta’s 354). But their incredible attack (335 points: second behind the Sydney Roosters’ 386) gives them a +4 differential. Though last weekend’s 18-16 win over the Roosters – where they defended a two-point lead in the last seven minutes – showed how good they can be, even without their Origin stars. The Cowboys also have all three byes up their sleeve: those free six points could be vital if they’re in the finals mix later in the season.
The Wahs have failed to recapture their magic run to the 2023 preliminary final. While they’ve had some key injuries that have forced reshuffles (especially Shaun Johnson, who hasn’t played since round 10), they’ve also lost four games by between three to six points and drawn against Manly Warringah. Though they’ve won two in a row (against Penrith and The Dolphins) – and enjoyed their first bye – to salvage their season.
The Warriors have a 22-21 advantage over North Queensland since 1998 and won both 2023 clashes (26-12 and 22-14).
At this stage, the Cowboys’ Origin contingent have been named (Val Holmes, Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter, Murray Taulagi, Reece Robson and Jeremiah Nanai) as reserves. With this game nearly 48 hours after Origin 1, there’s a good chance most of them back up, but nothing’s guaranteed. Tom Chester is also added to the bench.
There are some big ins for the Warriors: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Wayde Egan, Rocco Berry, Addin Fonua-Blake, Kurt Capewell, and Tohu Harris. Though Shaun Johnson is still out.
These returning big names should help the Warriors win a close one.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Number Crunch Stats.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
Warriors by 6 points.
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