Raiders v Cowboys: Young returns; McLean ruled out
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.
Match: Raiders v Cowboys
Round 15 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Cowboys
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Jordan RapanaFullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater
-
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Nick CotricWinger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle Feldt
-
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Matthew TimokoCentre for Cowboys is number 3 Valentine Holmes
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Centre for Raiders is number 4 Sebastian KrisCentre for Cowboys is number 4 Viliami Vailea
-
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier SavageWinger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray Taulagi
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Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan StrangeFive-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom Dearden
-
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Kaeo WeekesHalfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad Townsend
Forwards
-
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph TapineProp for Cowboys is number 10 Reuben Cotter
-
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Danny LeviHooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson
-
Prop for Raiders is number 17 Emre GulerProp for Cowboys is number 19 Harrison Edwards
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Heilum Luki
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai
-
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Morgan SmithiesLock for Cowboys is number 13 Jason Taumalolo
Interchange
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Interchange for Raiders is number 8 Josh PapaliiInterchange for Cowboys is number 14 Sam McIntyre
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom StarlingInterchange for Cowboys is number 15 Thomas Mikaele
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Ata MariotaInterchange for Cowboys is number 16 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
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Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Trey MooneyInterchange for Cowboys is number 17 Griffin Neame
Reserves
-
Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Albert HopoateReplacement 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.
Match: Raiders v Cowboys
Round 15 -
home Team
Raiders
11th Position
away Team
Cowboys
6th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
