Five things to know: Indigenous Round v Warriors

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys host the Warriors in a Friday evening showdown at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

1. WELCOME BACK

A couple of big names return to the North Queensland team sheet for the Warriors clash. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been sidelined since undergoing syndesmosis surgery following the Round 5 victory over the Wests Tigers. Coen Hess missed last week’s triumph over the Knights through concussion, but has been cleared to return to face the Kiwi outfit. Tabuai-Fidow will line-up at centre, with Hess named at lock.

2. HELLO AGAIN

Friday’s showdown is the second in the month of May for the Cowboys and Warriors. The first installment resulted in a 24-20 Warriors victory, with the Cowboys unable to overcome a big first half deficit at the Central Coast.

3. FAMILIAR FOES

The Cowboys will be looking to overturn a two-match losing streak against the Warriors. The Warriors also hold a 22-20 lead in the overall match-up between the two clubs, which dates back to 1995 – the year both clubs entered the premiership. The Cowboys record in North Queensland is far more imposing, winning 13 of 19 games.

4. CURTAIN RAISER

Former Cowboys Shaun Valentine and George Gatis will take part in Friday night's curtain-raiser between the Chiefs and Silverbacks. Made up of staff from Townsville Correctional Centre and Cleeland Youth Detention Centre, the match will raising money for a new volleyball court at the NRL Cowboys House. The match kicks off at 4.05pm. 

5. FLYING FELDT

Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has an imposing try-scoring record against most teams in the competition, but it’s the Warriors he’s experienced the most joy against. Feldt has scored 11 tries in just eight games against the Kiwi club, including a hat-trick in 2015 and doubles in 2018 and 2020.