Cowboys v Raiders: Laybutt nears return; Tapine in, Smithies out
Although they showed signs of improvement last week, the Cowboys are still looking for their first win of the season and will be aiming to bring down Ricky's Raiders when they come to town on Saturday.
North Queensland fought hard against the Broncos and were arguably the better team for much of the first half but were not able to convert their early dominance into any points.
The lack of finesse in their fifth-tackle options has been one of the major issues for the Cowboys so far this season, with a lack of experience proving critical.
After a high-flying start to their season, Canberra came crashing back to earth last week in their heavy loss to the Sea Eagles, who blew them off the park with a near flawless first-half performance which saw the Raiders down 30-0 at half-time.
While second-half tries to Sebastian Kris and Hudson Young kept the Raiders from being held scoreless, the visitors will be smarting and will aim to start fast against the desperate Cowboys.
Match: Cowboys v Raiders
Round 4 -
home Team
Cowboys
16th Position
away Team
Raiders
9th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Cowboys: Having returned from an ACL injury via Queensland Cup over the past fortnight, centre Zac Laybutt is listed among the reserves as he closes in on his first NRL appearance since Round 5 last year. Todd Payten has stuck with the same 17 that faced Brisbane with centre Viliami Vailea named to play despite failing to finish last week's game due to an eye injury.
Raiders: Joseph Tapine's return from suspension sees Corey Horsburgh shift to lock and Trey Mooney to the interchange bench. Englishman Morgan Smithies will miss the match due to concussion.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott DrinkwaterFullback for Raiders is number 1 Kaeo Weekes
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Robert DerbyWinger for Raiders is number 2 Savelio Tamale
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Jaxon PurdueCentre for Raiders is number 3 Matthew Timoko
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Viliami VaileaCentre for Raiders is number 4 Sebastian Kris
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray TaulagiWinger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier Savage
-
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom DeardenFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Strange
-
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Jake CliffordHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Jamal Fogarty
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLeanProp for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papalii
-
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece RobsonHooker for Raiders is number 9 Tom Starling
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jason TaumaloloProp for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 John Bateman2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Kai O'Donnell2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Matty Nicholson
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben CotterLock for Raiders is number 13 Corey Horsburgh
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Sam McIntyreInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Owen Pattie
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Jeremiah NanaiInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Simi Sasagi
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Griffin NeameInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Trey Mooney
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Coen HessInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Ata Mariota
Reserves
-
Replacement for Cowboys is number 18 Harrison EdwardsReplacement for Raiders is number 19 Jed Stuart
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 19 Zac LaybuttReserve for Raiders is number 18 Danny Levi
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 20 Thomas DuffyReserve for Raiders is number 20 Pasami Saulo
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 21 Karl LawtonReserve for Raiders is number 21 Albert Hopoate
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 22 Thomas MikaeleReserve for Raiders is number 22 Adam Cook
Cowboys Ins
- Harrison Edwards
- Thomas Duffy
- Thomas Mikaele
- Zac Laybutt
Raiders Ins
- Adam Cook
- Danny Levi
- Jed Stuart
- Joseph Tapine
- Pasami Saulo
Cowboys Outs
Raiders Ins
- Morgan Smithies
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Cowboys have won their last six games against the Raiders.
- The Raiders have won only one from five at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
- The Cowboys have conceded 104 points in their first three games.
- Raiders winger Xavier Savage will make his 50th NRL appearance.
- The Cowboys have won five of their last seven games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
