NRL 2021: North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos, round 9 preview

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 8 May 2021, 06:35 PM

One of the NRL's great modern rivalries rolls around with both teams sitting outside the top eight but having shown some much improved form of late after horror starts to 2021.

The Broncos produced the greatest points comeback in club history to overturn an early 22-0 deficit against the Titans last week - their first win against any club other than Canterbury since round two last year.

The Cowboys staged another second-half fightback in round eight but unlike their win over the Raiders a week earlier, fell short against the Warriors on the Central Coast.

But with skipper Jason Taumalolo finally back and with three wins in their past four, will provide a stern test on their home patch.

Round 9 - Round 9 - Saturday 8 May

Full Time

Cowboys

Broncos

Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Highlights Latest

The rundown

Team news

Cowboys: In his return game from suspension Mitchell Dunn is a late call-up to the starting side in jersey 19 with Ben Condon reverting to the bench and Corey Jensen dropping to 18th man.

Jake Clifford returns in the No.7 jersey with Ben Hampton missing due to a pec injury. In the other change from the team beaten by the Warriors, Javid Bowen comes into the centres in place of Justin O'Neill (knee).

Peter Hola and Tom Gilbert were the two players left out on Friday while Kane Bradley was omitted an hour before kick-off.

Cowboys right winger Kyle Feldt has scored 10 tries in 13 games at QCB Stadium.

Broncos: The Broncos will line up 1-17. Tyson Gamble and Anthony Milford clicked in the halves and will be looking to repeat that in Townsville this week.

Star centre Kotoni Staggs (knee) is a chance to return for Magic Round.

Tesi Niu and John Asiata were omitted 24 hours before kick-off. Dale Copley was the last man cut an hour before game time. Brendan Piakura is 18th man.

The Broncos will be aiming for their 500th victory since entering the premiership in 1988.

Round 9 - Round 9 - Saturday 8 May

Full Time

Cowboys

Broncos

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Valentine Holmes

Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Jamayne Isaako
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle Feldt

Winger for Broncos is number 2 Xavier Coates
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Javid Bowen

Centre for Broncos is number 3 Herbie Farnworth
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Connelly Lemuelu

Centre for Broncos is number 4 Jesse Arthars
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray Taulagi

Winger for Broncos is number 5 Corey Oates
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Scott Drinkwater

Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Anthony Milford
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Jake Clifford

Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Tyson Gamble

Forwards

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Coen Hess

Prop for Broncos is number 8 Matthew Lodge
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson

Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Jake Turpin
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jordan McLean

Prop for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Shane Wright

2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Jordan Riki
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 19 Mitchell Dunn

2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Tevita Pangai Junior
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Jason Taumalolo

Lock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan

Interchange

Interchange for Cowboys is number 12 Ben Condon

Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Danny Levi
Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jake Granville

Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Thomas Flegler
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Lachlan Burr

Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Ethan Bullemor
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Francis Molo

Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Rhys Kennedy

Reserves

Reserve for Cowboys is number 17 Corey Jensen

Reserve for Broncos is number 19 Brendan Piakura

Match Officials

Referee: Chris Sutton
Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
Touch Judge: Nick Morel
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:26:54 PM

Key match-up

Scott Drinkwater v Anthony Milford: With Milford back in favour and back doing what he does best, the Broncos' attack looked sharp against the Titans.

Drinkwater, meanwhile, has been laying on plenty of tries with deft kicks in recent weeks and he'll be keen to get back on track after a disappointing loss in Gosford.

Consistency is the key for Milford and he needs to back up last week's form with another composed display.

Stat attack

The Broncos outside backs all ran for more than 100m in the stirring win over the Titans. Corey Oates (199m), Xavier Coates (171m ), Jamayne Isaako (137m), Herbie Farnworth (118m) and Jesse Arthars (114m) all got through plenty of hard work.

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