The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys host the Warriors in a Saturday afternoon clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
1. NEW COWBOY IN TOWN
Hometown boy Gehamat Shibasaki is set to become Cowboy No.306 on Saturday afternoon. Born and raised in Townsville, Shibasaki spent time at the Broncos and Knights as well as a short stint in Japanese rugby before returning home in mid-2022. The hard running centre replaces suspended veteran Peta Hiku.
2. CHESTER RETURNS
Fellow North Queensland product Tom Chester will make his second NRL appearance on Saturday. The 21-year-old made a fairytale NRL debut in Round 18 last season, coming off the interchange for a short stint at lock. On Saturday, he will make his maiden NRL appearance at his preferred fullback position, deputising for the suspended Scott Drinkwater.
3. ON THE COMEBACK
Aside from the additions of Shibasaki and Chester, the remainder of Todd Payten’s 17 is unchanged, although a trio of injured forwards are closing in on returns. Injured forwards Heilum Luki, Mitch Dunn and Taniela Sadrugu have all been named in the reserves as they edge closer to returns from respective knee injuries. Luki and Dunn have been sidelined since last season with ACL injuries, while Sadrugu sustained a PCL injury late in the pre-season.
4. SQUARING THE LEDGER
The Cowboys and Warriors have an intertwined history, both entering the premiership in 1995. A Cowboys victory on Saturday would level the overall head to head match up at 23 wins apiece. North Queensland have won two of the last three fixtures, including a 48-4 victory at home in Round 23 last season.
5. HOME SWEET HOME
Saturday’s game is the first of a two game homestand for the Cowboys. Following the Warriors clash, North Queensland return to Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Round 4 to face Queensland rivals the Gold Coast Titans.
