Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 5 clash between the Cowboys and Titans.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
North Queensland Cowboys Vs Gold Coast Titans
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Date: Sunday, April 7, 4:05 pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater, 2.Kyle Feldt, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Zac Laybutt, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Jordan McLean, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jason Taumalolo, 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Reuben Cotter, 14. Jake Granville, 15. Griffin Neame, 16. Sam McIntyre, 17. Jack Gosiewski, 18. Tomas Chester, 19. Thomas Mikaele, 20. Semi Valemei, 21. Marly Bitungane, 22. Jake Clifford
Titans: 1. Jayden Campbell, 2.Harley Smith-Shields, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. AJ Brimson, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Jaimin Jolliffe, 11. Klese Haas, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Erin Clark, 14. Sam Verrills, 15. David Fifita, 16. Joe Stimson, 17. Josiah Pahulu, 18. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 19. Tony Francis, 20. Thomas Weaver, 21. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 22. Jacob Alick
Referee: Chris Butler
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
After going undefeated for the first three games of the season, the Cowboys were brought back to earth by the Broncos. Tom Dearden pulled off a Scott Sattler-esque tackle on Selwyn Cobbo that should have spurred his team on, but the rain played havoc on the Cowboys, with players such as Scott Drinkwater making uncharacteristic errors.
Todd Payten wants his team to return to the winner’s circle this weekend and has named an unchanged side. Players like Drinkwater and Taulagi will undoubtedly want to put the demons of last week behind them; the Titans are the perfect team for them to play to boost their confidence.
The Titans came out of the blocks firing against the Dolphins, scoring two tries in the first 13 minutes before things went downhill. The Titans have to drastically improve to beat a side such as the Cowboys but never say never.
The Titans have several changes to their side, thanks to injuries and coach Des Hasler trying to find the team that will get some wins under their belt. Philip Sami is out due to an ankle injury, with Harley Smith-Shields coming onto the wing. Jojo Fifita will be on the other wing as Alofiana Kahn-Pereira drops to the reserves. Isaac Liu is also missing; Jaimin Joliffe moves from look to the front row with Erin Clark the new lock. Josiah Pahulu will debut from the bench for the injured Keenan Palasia.
If the Titans are to turn their season around, a good showing against the Cowboys is a must.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Round 5 Number Crunch.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Cowboys by 18 points.
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