Toyota Cowboys assistant coach David Furner expects North Queensland to run into a confident Brisbane Broncos in Friday night’s first NRL Queensland derby of the year at Suncorp Stadium.
Looking to make it two straight wins to start the 2014 NRL season, the Cowboys held their final training session of the week at 1300SMILES Stadium this morning before taking an afternoon flight to Brisbane.
The Broncos, after copping a hammering in their final trial against the Warriors, are also shooting for back-to-back victories after upsetting Canterbury last Friday night.
“I think we’ve had a really good week, coming off a first-round win against Canberra,” Furner said.
“Naturally we know we’re in for a tough game.
“The Broncos were very good (in their win against the Bulldogs). Benny Barba was a real danger and I thought their forwards were nice and strong rolling forward.
“It’s always hard to get a win against the Bulldogs down in Sydney so we’ve got no doubt they’d be building a lot of confidence off that win.”
For Furner, who has been involved in World Cup wins with Australia, premiership success with Canberra and Origin victories for New South Wales, the Queensland derby will be a rare new experience in his long rugby league career and something he’s looking to be part of for the first time.
“I know we’re going to a great venue to play,” he said.
“I’m excited and I’m excited to see the team work off the back of a good win in the first round.
“I don’t know if I’m really looking at them as two Queensland teams – I know they are.
“I know it’s a Friday night game, two good sides and we’re in for a pretty good clash.”
Furner said there were no niggling injury concerns for the Cowboys, who are expected to be unchanged from the squad of 18 named on Tuesday.
