The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys host the Gold Coast Titans at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
1. TITANIC TUSSLE
Two weeks after the first XXXX Derby of the year against the Broncos, fellow Queensland rivals the Gold Coast Titans travel north. North Queensland won both clashes in 2022, including a 30-4 victory at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Round 7. The Cowboys hold a 18-11 head-to-head advantage in the overall match-up.
2. NEAME’S OPPORTUNITY
Todd Payten has been forced into one change to his 17 with star prop Reuben Cotter sidelined with a knee injury. Griffin Neame is set for his first starting berth at NRL level after a terrific start to the season. Neame has appeared in 29 games for the Cowboys since making his debut in 2021, all of which have come from the interchange.
3. JIMMY’S BACK
Cowboys premiership winner James Tamou returns to the 17 to fill Neame’s spot on the bench and appears set for his first extended action since returning to the club. Tamou has been limited to 11 minutes in the Round 1 victory over the Raiders, but is set to play a larger role in the bench rotation with Cotter sidelined.
4. STATS UPDATE
Chad Townsend is again off to a blistering playmaking start to the season. Townsend leads the NRL with five try assists and ranks fourth with 1,367 kick metres. Valentine Holmes has the third most tackle breaks with 18, while Reece Robson also sits third in total tackles with 148.
5. DOUBLE THE FOOTY
Eight members of the 2022 Gold Stars premiership side will be in action at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in a Women’s BMD Premiership clash prior to the NRL game. With the Gold Stars not entering a team in the QLD competition this season due to the Cowboys entry into the NRLW, a large chunk of the grand final team are playing for the Mackay Cutters in 2023. The Cutters face the Burleigh Bears at QCB Stadium at 2.10pm, with the NRL game set for a 4.30pm kick off.
