Five things you need to know: Round 7 v Titans

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys host the Gold Coast Titans at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday night.

1. DERBY TIME

Saturday’s game marks the second XXXX Derby of the year for the Cowboys following the Round 3 victory over the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium. All three Queensland teams now compete for the XXXX Derby, with the Titans joining in 2021. North Queensland own a 16-11 head to head lead over the Titans in the all-time head to head match-up.

2. BIG RED RETURNS

Griffin Neame returns to the Cowboys side after missing the triumph over Canberra through a head knock. Neame has been named on the interchange, replacing Connelly Lemuelu. The 21-year-old has been impressive in his four appearances in 2022, averaging 96 metres in just 33 minutes per game.

3. ALMOST HAMMER TIME

Star fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is edging closer to a return from a knee injury. The 20-year-old has been sidelined since Round 4, but has been named in the reserves for the Titans clash. Scott Drinkwater has again been named in the No.1 jersey.

4. RUNNING MAN

Jason Taumalolo has reclaimed his throne as the NRL’s post contact king. The Cowboys captain has been at his barnstorming best in recent weeks and now sits atop the competition with 447 post contact metres in six games. Taumalolo ranks fourth in total run metres with 1020, averaging 170 per outing.

5. AN ODE TO OUR TROOPS

An action-packed schedule awaits fans at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday for the NRL’s ANZAC Round. Gates open at 3pm with the Gold Stars to take on Burleigh from 3.05pm. The 1RAR Band kick off a 20-minute performance from 4.35pm, which will be followed by the ANZAC Ceremony from 5.20pm. The Cowboys will wear specially designed Defence jerseys for the NRL fixture, which kicks off at 5.30pm.