The Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys have treated fans to some classic matches over the years, and with both teams recording Round 1 wins, the signs are good for another cracker this Friday night.
The Broncos upset reigning premiers Penrith last Friday night, out-enthusing the more favoured home side in the forwards, with a late field goal by skipper Adam Reynolds securing Brisbane's first victory in Panthers territory since 2009.
After missing four games at the end of last season due to suspension, Broncos prop Patrick Carrigan didn't miss a beat, with 50 tackles for the match. Fullback Selwyn Cobbo ran 197 metres in his first NRL game as the starting No. 1.
The Cowboys held on in a classic against Canberra to open their 2023 account, also winning with a field goal. Just like for the Broncos, it came off the boot of their skipper, with Chad Townsend stepping up to secure the win.
While happy to get the win, North Queensland will be looking to address the issues the team face in the second half of the match where they let an early 18-0 lead slip to be locked at 18-18 after the Raiders produced a spirited second-half fightback.
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Team News
Broncos: No late changes for Brisbane. Star signing Reece Walsh makes his first NRL appearance in a Broncos jersey after missing Round 1 with a facial fracture. Selwyn Cobbo moves to the wing after doing a fine job filling in at fullback so Jesse Arthars goes to 18th man. The forward pack is unchanged after a powerful first-up display against the premiers.
Cowboys: The Cowboys are 1-17 with no late changes. Brendan Elliott is 18th man. Stability was a hallmark of the Cowboys' success last year and 2023 is starting off in similar fashion as Todd Payten heads into the Queensland derby with the same 17 that got the job done against Canberra in Round 1.
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Stat Attack
- The Broncos have started with a 2-0 record in two of the past three seasons.
- The Cowboys have won four of their past five games against the Broncos.
- Brisbane suffered half-century defeats in their past two games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has scored seven tries in his past six games against the Broncos.
- Broncos winger Corey Oates scored nine tries in 12 games at Suncorp Stadium in 2022.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.