Cowboys v Bulldogs: Origin stars backing up; Preston returns
Two sides very much in the mix for a finals berth square off in Townsville with the winner taking a big stride towards being part of the September action.
The Cowboys have won just three of seven at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in 2024 and with five of their remaining seven games to be played at home they need to ensure they turn it into a fortress.
Coach Todd Payten will be keeping a keen eye on Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter, Val Holmes and Jeremiah Nanai to see how they come through Wednesday night's Origin decider before making a call on whether they back up on Sunday.
The Bulldogs arrive in Townsville with their belief sky high on the back of two nailbiting golden point wins over the Sharks and Warriors - a first finals appearance since 2016 now well and truly within grasp.
The wrist injury to hard-working prop Max King is a blow but back-rower Jacob Preston is back from a foot injury in a boost for the blue and whites.
The two teams clashed just once last season with Matt Burton's golden boot proving the difference in a 15-14 Dogs victory at Accor Stadium.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Cowboys v Bulldogs
Team News
Cowboys: North Queensland have received a major boost with all five of their Origin stars backing up and starting after Reuben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai were added to the starting side one hour before kick off. The changes sees Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Sam McIntyre shift back to the bench. Jaxon Purdue has also moved from the reserves to the wing in place of Braidon Burns. Jake Granville remains 18th man.
Bulldogs: Youngster Harry Hayes is set to make his NRL debut after being added to the bench on Sunday night in place of Poasa Faamausili. The change comes after Chris Patolo was added to the bench on Saturday with Lipoi Hopoi making way. The return of Jacob Preston from a foot injury is a boost however Canterbury will be without Max King after he picked up a wrist injury. Josh Curran has been promoted to the starting side in his place. Skipper Stephen Crichton has been named to back up from Origin Three while Blues 18th man Matt Burton and Maroons reserve Reed Mahoney are also good to go.
Match: Cowboys v Bulldogs
Round 20 -
home Team
Cowboys
away Team
Bulldogs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott DrinkwaterFullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle FeldtWinger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jacob Kiraz
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Viliami VaileaCentre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson Xerri
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Centre for Cowboys is number 20 Valentine HolmesCentre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton
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Winger for Cowboys is number 3 Jaxon PurdueWinger for Bulldogs is number 5 Blake Wilson
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Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 21 Tom DeardenFive-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
-
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad TownsendHalfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Toby Sexton
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLeanProp for Bulldogs is number 8 Josh Curran
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Hooker for Cowboys is number 23 Reece RobsonHooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Reed Mahoney
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Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jason TaumaloloProp for Bulldogs is number 10 Samuel Hughes
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2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Heilum Luki2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau
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2nd Row for Cowboys is number 22 Jeremiah Nanai2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 24 Reuben CotterLock for Bulldogs is number 13 Kurt Mann
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 12 Kulikefu FinefeuiakiInterchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Bailey Hayward
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 13 Sam McIntyreInterchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Kurtis Morrin
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Harrison EdwardsInterchange for Bulldogs is number 19 Harry Hayes
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Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Griffin NeameInterchange for Bulldogs is number 23 Chris Patolo
Reserves
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Replacement for Cowboys is number 9 Jake GranvilleReplacement for Bulldogs is number 22 Jeral Skelton
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Senior Review Official: Peter Gough
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Cowboys have won only one of their past five games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
- The Bulldogs have conceded less than 20 points in five of their past six games.
- Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has scored six tries in his last six games.
- The Bulldogs have lost seven from eight away from home in 2024.
- Cowboys second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has scored five tries in his past five games at QCB Stadium.
Match: Cowboys v Bulldogs
Round 20 -
home Team
Cowboys
6th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
7th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
