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The Raiders are determined to hit the ground running after a week off when they host the Cowboys on Friday night. 

Ricky Stuart's side enjoyed a chance to reset and refresh after a thrilling golden point win over the Dolphins in round 13. 

Jordan Rapana was the hero on that occasion, kicking two field goals, including the 87th-minute winner.

Friday's clash shapes as a crucial one for both teams with the Raiders desperate to remain in touch with the top four and defend home turf in Canberra. 

The Cowboys will travel south chasing a quick turnaround following a disappointing 42-12 loss to the Warriors in Townsville on Saturday night. 

North Queensland currently sit 12th, two points outside the eight and need a win to maintain their position on a cluttered ladder. 

The match shapes as a four-point game for the Cowboys, with the bye to come in Round 16.

Sportsbet Betting Preview - Raiders v Cowboys

Team News

Raiders: Hudson Young returns after missing Round 13 on Blues Origin duty, so Ata Mariota reverts to the bench. In what has been a trend in 2024, Josh Papali'i goes back to the bench in a swap with Emre Guler. No late changes to the 17. 

Cowboys: Harrison Edwards, who joined the squad on Thursday as an injury replacement for Jordan McLean (calf), will start at prop, with Griffin Neame on the bench. No other changes, with Murray Taulagi (shoulder) and Reece Robson (neck) both back on deck. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Jordan Rapana
    Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater
  • Winger for Raiders is number 2 Nick Cotric
    Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle Feldt
  • Centre for Raiders is number 3 Matthew Timoko
    Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Valentine Holmes
  • Centre for Raiders is number 4 Sebastian Kris
    Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Viliami Vailea
  • Winger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier Savage
    Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray Taulagi
  • Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Strange
    Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom Dearden
  • Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Kaeo Weekes
    Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad Townsend

Forwards

  • Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
    Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Reuben Cotter
  • Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Danny Levi
    Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson
  • Prop for Raiders is number 17 Emre Guler
    Prop for Cowboys is number 19 Harrison Edwards
  • 2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
    2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Heilum Luki
  • 2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
    2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai
  • Lock for Raiders is number 13 Morgan Smithies
    Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Jason Taumalolo

Interchange

  • Interchange for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papalii
    Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Sam McIntyre
  • Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom Starling
    Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Thomas Mikaele
  • Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Ata Mariota
    Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
  • Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Trey Mooney
    Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Griffin Neame

Reserves

  • Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Albert Hopoate
    Replacement for Cowboys is number 20 Tom Chester

Match Officials

  • Referee: Chris Sutton
  • Touch Judge: Dave Munro
  • Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • Raiders second-rower Hudson Young has scored four tries in his last three NRL games.
  • The Cowboys have won their past four games against the Raiders.
  • The Raiders have conceded 84 points in their last two games at GIO Stadium.
  • Hooker Reece Robson will make his 100th appearance for the Cowboys.
  • Raiders fullback Jordan Rapana has scored seven tries in his last four games against the Cowboys.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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