The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys travel to Brisbane to face the Broncos in the first edition of the 2023 XXXX Derby.
1. DERBY DAY
One of the great modern day NRL rivalries adds a new chapter on Friday night. North Queensland have won four of the previous five clashes against their arch-rivals, including both clashes in 2022. The previous time the two sides met at Suncorp Stadium, the Cowboys produced one of their finest performances of the season, running out 38-12 victors behind a hat-trick from Jeremiah Nanai.
2. SAME SAME
Todd Payten has named an identical 22-man squad from the victory over the Raiders to face the Broncos. Coen Hess continues in the second row after a successful return to the position last weekend, while Kyle Feldt is available for selection after taking a fine for a grade one careless high tackle.
3. STAYING HOME
The Broncos clash is the second of four games in Queensland to start the season for the Cowboys. Following the Round 2 trip to Brisbane, North Queensland return home for fixtures against the Warriors and Titans in Rounds 3 and 4 respectively.
4. RUNNING REUBEN
Cowboys prop Reuben Cotter ran for more metres than any other forward in the NRL in Round 1. Cotter’s 217 running metres against the Raiders were third most total and nine more than the next closest forward – Parramatta’s Junior Paulo.
5. TRY TIME
Scott Drinkwater produced a brilliant try-scoring start to 2023, with a double against the Raiders. The Cowboys fullback will be hoping to continue his try scoring form against the Broncos, who are one of just three teams Drinkwater is yet to score against in the NRL. Drinkwater has scored against every team in the competition aside from the Broncos, Sea Eagles and Knights.
