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Having steadied the ship with a win over the Titans, the men from Townsville look to continue the momentum when they host a Storm outfit fresh off a dominant victory over the Sharks.
Both sides will be missing four of their most influential stars on State of Origin duty so the opportunity arises to showcase their depth and bank two valuable competition points.
The Cowboys face a massive fortnight with the Storm and Bulldogs coming to Queensland Country Bank Stadium in consecutive weeks and they will be determined to match motors with the big guns in front of their loyal fans.
North Queensland's seven games at home in 2025 have produced three wins, three losses and a draw - a snapshot of an up-and-down season that has seen them sit as high as sixth and as low a 16th on the ladder.
Match: Cowboys v Storm
Round 18 -
home Team
Cowboys
12th Position
away Team
Storm
2nd Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Team News
Cowboys: Murray Taulagi was ruled out with a minor knee injury in the 24-hour update, with Braidon Burns coming onto the wing. Earlier, Tom Duffy was recalled for his first game at halfback since Round 2, taking over for Maroons No.7 Tom Dearden. The absence of forwards Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai and Reece Robson on Origin duty sees a new-look pack that includes Jordan McLean in his return from a calf injury and John Bateman back from a groin injury. Harrison Edwards takes over at hooker and Kai O'Donnell starts in the back row. Mackay Cutters hooker Temple Kalepo makes his NRL debut off the bench.
Storm: Ryan Papenhuyzen (calf tightness) drops out of the squad 24-hours from kick off, with Tyran Wishart switching to fullback and Jonah Pezet moving from the bench to five-eighth. Victorian product Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown (formerly Siulagi Pio) has been named on the bench and is set to make his NRL debut. Earlier, the loss of Xavier Coates (Origin) and Sua Faalogo (hamstring) saw Grant Anderson slide to the wing, with Kane Bradley coming in on the other wing and Joe Chan named at centre. Bronson Garlick comes in for Harry Grant at hooker and Jonah Pezet joins the bench in the utility role. Tui Kamikamica comes in at prop and Alec MacDonald takes over at lock to cover for Trent Loiero (Origin). With Stefano Utoikamanu also on Origin duty, the bench now includes Lazarus Vaalepu and Ativalu Lisati.
Match: Cowboys v Storm
Round 18 -
home Team
Cowboys
away Team
Storm
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott DrinkwaterFullback for Storm is number 4 Nick Meaney
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Robert DerbyWinger for Storm is number 5 Kane Bradley
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Jaxon PurdueCentre for Storm is number 2 Grant Anderson
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Zac LaybuttCentre for Storm is number 3 Joe Chan
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 18 Braidon BurnsWinger for Storm is number 22 Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown
-
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Jake CliffordFive-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Tyran Wishart
-
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Thomas DuffyHalfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome Hughes
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLeanProp for Storm is number 8 Tui Kamikamica
-
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Harrison EdwardsHooker for Storm is number 9 Bronson Garlick
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Griffin NeameProp for Storm is number 10 Josh King
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 John Bateman2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Shawn Blore
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Kai O'Donnell2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Sam McIntyreLock for Storm is number 15 Alec MacDonald
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Temple KalepoInterchange for Storm is number 13 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Thomas MikaeleInterchange for Storm is number 14 Jonah Pezet
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Kaiden LahrsInterchange for Storm is number 16 Lazarus Vaalepu
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Coen HessInterchange for Storm is number 17 Ativalu Lisati
Reserves
-
Replacement for Cowboys is number 19 Marly BitunganeReplacement for Storm is number 19 Coby Williamson
Match Officials
- Referee: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Cowboys have won three of their past four games against the Storm.
- The Storm have lost their last three games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
- Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi has scored five tries in five games against the Storm.
- Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has scored four tries in his last three games.
- Cowboys winger Robert Derby has scored six tries in six games at QCB Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.