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Two sides with one win apiece go head-to-head in a game that will test their defensive resolve.

After being held scoreless in their Round 1 loss, the Cowboys bounced back in a high-scoring match against the Dragons, posting a 38-34 win with doubles to Tiana Raftstrand-Smith and Jakiya Whitfled helping claim the win that saw them just outpoint the Dragons who proved hard to shake. 

After their impressive opening round victory, the Eels fell just short against the Sharks in their 18-16 loss after letting their opponents come-from-behind twice. Parramatta enjoyed 62 percent of the ball and were leading 10-6 at half-time, but could not hold them out.

Eels coach Steve Georgallis said it would be a learning curve for his still relatively inexperienced side.

Team News

Cowboys: After playing in the position for much of last week's win over the Dragons, Krystal Blackwell has been named at fullback this week, with England star Francesca Goldthorp moving onto the wing. Young prop Lillian Yarrow has been named to make her NRLW debut from the bench with Shaniah Power out. One hour before kick off, coach Ricky Henry has made a few changes, with Libby Surha to come in for Ebony Raftstrand-Smith on the wing, while Lily Peacock will start with Tallisha Harden to the bench. 

Eels: The Eels remained unchanged for the match-up against the Cowboys. Parramatta were leading 10-6 at half-time, but let in tries at both ends of the second half to hand Cronulla the game, with goal kicking proving the difference in the end in the 18-16 loss. Although still new to the game, centre Rory Owen impressed with her second try in her second outing and also made 181 run metres. No changes in one hour before kick-off to the 17, with Tafao Asaua the 18th player.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Krystal Blackwell
    Fullback for Eels is number 1 Abbi Church
  • Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Francesca Goldthorp
    Winger for Eels is number 2 Zali Fay
  • Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Jakiya Whitfeld
    Centre for Eels is number 3 Rory Owen
  • Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Jasmine Peters
    Centre for Eels is number 4 Rosie Kelly
  • Winger for Cowboys is number 22 Libby Surha
    Winger for Eels is number 5 Monique Donovan
  • Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tahlulah Tillett
    Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Cassey Tohi-Hiku
  • Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Kirra Dibb
    Halfback for Eels is number 7 Rachael Pearson

Forwards

  • Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Essay Banu
    Prop for Eels is number 8 Elsie Albert
  • Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Emma Manzelmann
    Hooker for Eels is number 9 Taneka Todhunter
  • Prop for Cowboys is number 15 Lily Peacock
    Prop for Eels is number 10 Madeline Jones
  • 2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 China Polata
    2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Chloe Jackson
  • 2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Tiana Raftstrand-Smith
    2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Mahalia Murphy
  • Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Bree Chester
    Lock for Eels is number 13 Kennedy Cherrington

Interchange

  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 8 Tallisha Harden
    Interchange for Eels is number 14 Rosemarie Beckett
  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Alisha Foord
    Interchange for Eels is number 15 Tyla Amiatu
  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Sareka Mooka
    Interchange for Eels is number 16 Jade Fonua
  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 18 Lillian Yarrow
    Interchange for Eels is number 17 Ruby-Jean Kennard-Ellis

Reserves

  • Replacement for Cowboys is number 23 Shellie Long
    Replacement for Eels is number 18 Tafao Asaua

Match Officials

  • Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Cowboys have won only two from six at Queensland venues.
  • The Eels play their second game in Brisbane in three weeks.
  • Cowboys second-rower Tiana Raftstrand-Smith has scored four tries in her past six NRLW games.
  • Eels centre Rory Owen has scored a try in her first two NRLW appearances.

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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