BRISBANE BRONCOS NYC v NORTH QUEENSLAND TOYOTA COWBOYS NYC
4.50pm (local), Friday 25 March, Suncorp Stadium
Referee: Jarrod Cole
Touch judges: Tyson Brough, Belinda Sleeman
TEAMS
Cowboys: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Gideon Gela-Mosby 3. Nathan Traill 4. Enari Tuala 5. Marcus Jensen 6. Ty Carucci 7. Cooper Bambling 8. Darryn Schonig 9. Brandon Smith 10. Nick Brown 11. Coen Hess (c) 12. Cody Grills 13. Jordan Kenworthy. Interchange: 14. Calum Gahan 15. Mitchell Dunn 16. Ross Bella 17. Jack Lote 18. Emry Pere.
Broncos: 1. Corey Allan 2. David Fauid 3. Sam Leach 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Sam Smith 6. Haydyn O’Hara 7. Will Brimson 8. Sam Lavea 9. Tristan Hope 10. Keegan Hipgrave 11. Jaydn Su’A 12. Joshua Rudolph 13. Michael Molo. Interchange: 14. Logan Spaander 15. Tevita Pangai 16. Sam Elliott 17. Max Elliott 18. Kalolo Saitua.
KEY FACTS
Cowboys NYC coach Aaron Payne has made minimal change to his side, with last week’s late inclusion Duarne Dempsey out injured, to be replaced by back-up hooker Calum Gahan.
Payne said last week’s 36-16 win over the previously unbeaten Roosters was the sharpest, attack-wise, his side has been to date in 2016.
Young Cairns product Enari Tuala had a breakout game last week, the centre scoring a try, running for 164m, making two line breaks and six tackle breaks.
Tuala’s centre partner Nathan Traill continues to impress with tough carries out of his team’s own territory, while Payne has praised all of his outside backs for strong work in this department.
Talented halfback Cooper Bambling posted his strongest game of 2016 last weekend.
The young Cowboys sit in second place on the National Youth Competition ladder – just behind 2015 champions Penrith – with four points from two of three wins.
COACH AARON PAYNE: “Our goal-line defence was outstanding against the Roosters, and it’s been fantastic all year.”
