Cowboys v Bulldogs: Payten on Origin watch; King sized blow
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 for the blue and whites, while back-rower Jacob Preston remains sidelined with a foot injury, but they have shown plenty of resilience this season and will again be primed for a tough challenge on the road.
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.
Match: Cowboys v Bulldogs
Round 20 -
home Team
Cowboys
8th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
5th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
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.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
