Final Four: North Queensland Cowboys
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They've been the surprise packets of the 2022 season and as far as the Cowboys are concerned, they're four weeks away from their first finals campaign since 2017.
Currently in second spot, the Cowboys will want to retain that position to host a final in Townsville in week one or overall not drop as low as fourth to earn themselves an extra chance in the opening weekend.
Cowboys fans haven't experienced a year of dominance since the club won their first competition in 2015 but their final four games on paper don't look all smooth sailing.
Some have argued the Cowboys have had a dream draw throughout the season and even if that is the case, there is no doubt they'll have a hardened run into the finals.
The final four games
- Round 22 v Roosters (A)
- Round 23 v Warriors (H)
- Round 24 v Rabbitohs (A)
- Round 25 v Panthers (H)
The Cowboys have an interesting run home starting with a road trip south to clash with the Roosters at the Sydney Cricket Ground — a dangerous opposition who many predict remain title contenders despite sitting in eighth position.
Two final matches against the Rabbitohs and Panthers will hold the side in good stead leading into the playoffs and give the side a true measure of where they're at.
Quick fix: Bulldogs v Cowboys
Home, sweet home
There are two home games left for the Cowboys in Townsville, where the side has made North Queensland a difficult place for any opposition to travel once again.
While the overall figure since Queensland Country Bank Stadium opened in 2020 (17-15) favours visiting sides, the Cowboys have won seven of 10 games this year.
The matches they lost were a 6-4 defeat in round one and losses to the Sharks and Roosters by a comfortable margin.
On the road
The Cowboys have a 8-2 record on the road this year which is a vast improvement on previous years and a big reason why they sit second on the Telstra Premiership ladder. In the past three years prior to this season the Cowboys had won just eight of 32 games when travelling to an opposition's home ground.
Must-watch game
Match: Roosters v Cowboys
Round 22 -
home Team
Roosters
8th Position
away Team
Cowboys
2nd Position
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
This week's upcoming clash against the Roosters at the Sydney Cricket Ground could leave us with more answers around whether the Cowboys are genuine premiership contenders.
The Cowboys have only played one top four side - defending premiers Penrith - in Sydney for a 22-0 loss this season.
You'd expect a desperate and near full-strength Roosters side will give them a run for their money, particularly after beating a near full strength Cowboys side 28-4 in April.
- Best case finish: 1st
- Worst case finish: 8th
Use the NRL’s ladder predictor tool to see for yourself where your team can finish this year!
