Cowboys v Storm: Big guns due back; Stars set to be rested
With the minor premiership secured the Storm have the luxury of being able to rest some of their stars from the gruelling road trip to Townsville to face the Cowboys.
Halfback Jahrome Hughes and hooker Harry Grant are the leading candidates for a breather this week as coach Craig Bellamy looks ahead to the opening week of the finals when the Storm look likely to face either the Sharks or Panthers.
The Cowboys' place in the finals is secure but they would love nothing better than to make a statement against the Storm and then the Bulldogs in the final round.
Todd Payten's men are set to receive a boost with Jeremiah Nanai (concussion protocols) and Jason Taumalolo (cheekbone) due back this week for the Cowboys' first clash with the Storm since Round 14 last year, when they won 45-20 in Townsville.
The Cowboys have won only six of 11 at home this season and will be keen to turn on a powerful showing for their loyal fans before possibly returning to host an elimination final in week one of the play-offs.
Match: Cowboys v Storm
Round 26 -
home Team
Cowboys
6th Position
away Team
Storm
1st Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Stat Attack
- The Cowboys have scored 81 points in consecutive wins over the Storm.
- The Storm have won eight of their past nine away games.
- Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has scored seven tries in his past four games.
- With victory Melbourne’s Craig Bellamy will become the second coach to win 400 games.
- Cowboys centre Valentine Holmes will make his 200th NRL appearance.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
