Cowboys v Broncos: Feldt a late inclusion; Reynolds, Mam in halves
The state of Queensland may be feeling blue after representative week but the Cowboys and Broncos should restore some pride with one of the games of the round on Saturday night.
Not since 2016 will the local Queensland derby have so much hype in the lead-up with North Queensland sitting in third spot on the Telstra Premiership ladder and Brisbane nicely placed in fifth.
With a host of players taking part in Origin II and across the rep weekend, both side's have also benefitted from the bye week and will be fresh ahead of the Queensland derby.
The corresponding clash in round three belonged to the Cowboys in a six tries to two romp at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane have responded since then, winning nine of their past 12 matches.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Cowboys v Broncos
The Rundown
Team news
Cowboys: Kyle Feldt is a late inclusion after overcoming a knee injury, coming onto the wing for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who reverts to the bench. Back-rower Tom Gilbert is back from an eye injury so Jamayne Taunoa-Brown goes back to the bench. New recruit Luciano Leilua will make his club debut and play his 100th NRL game.
Broncos: There are no late changes for the visitors. A huge boost with captain Adam Reynolds returning from a rib injury while Blues prop Payne Haas will play despite suffering an ankle injury in Origin. Ezra Mam will remain at five-eighth with Tyson Gamble dropping out of the reserves.
Match: Cowboys v Broncos
Round 16 -
home Team
Cowboys
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott DrinkwaterFullback for Broncos is number 1 Te Maire Martin
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray TaulagiWinger for Broncos is number 2 Corey Oates
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Valentine HolmesCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Peta HikuCentre for Broncos is number 4 Brenko Lee
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 22 Kyle FeldtWinger for Broncos is number 5 Selwyn Cobbo
-
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom DeardenFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
-
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad TownsendHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLeanProp for Broncos is number 8 Corey Jensen
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Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece RobsonHooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
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Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Coen HessProp for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
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2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Tom Gilbert2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kurt Capewell
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2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Jason TaumaloloLock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 2 Hamiso Tabuai-FidowInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Jake Turpin
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Luciano LeiluaInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Kobe Hetherington
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Jamayne Taunoa-BrownInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Thomas Flegler
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Griffin NeameInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Keenan Palasia
Reserves
-
Replacement for Cowboys is number 14 Jake GranvilleReplacement for Broncos is number 18 Jordan Pereira
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Key match-up
Tom Dearden v Ezra Mam: Both former teammates in the lower grades at the Broncos, former playmaker Dearden has taken his game to a whole new level alongside Chad Townsend in North Queensland. Dearden has nine try assists for the year to go with five tries of his own and five forced dropouts. It's his running game that's been pivotal for the Cowboys with the 21-year-old averaging at least 87 metres per game. Mam, who has three tries in four NRL games, has burst onto the scene since making his debut in round 11 and will be looking to make the five-eighth spot his own alongside Adam Reynolds for the remainder of the year.
Stat Attack
The Broncos (275) have more ineffective tackles than any other team in the competition while the Cowboys are ranked best in this area with just 182 after 15 rounds. While Brisbane's average per game hasn't changed too much on their recent seasons, North Queensland have gone from worst to best in this department to easily be the most improved team in 2022.
Match: Cowboys v Broncos
Round 16 -
home Team
Cowboys
2nd Position
away Team
Broncos
5th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
