XXXX things you need to know: Round 4 v Broncos
The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys travel to Brisbane to face the Broncos in a Good Friday XXXX Derby showdown.
1. DERBY DAY
Rugby league rivalries don’t get any bigger in Queensland than the Cowboys and Broncos on Good Friday. North Queensland will be looking to bounce back after dropping both games to their arch-rivals in 2023. Since the start of 2020, the two teams have split their eight fixtures with four wins apiece.
2. ZAC’S BACK
After being a game day omission in the victory over the Dragons, Zac Laybutt has been named to return against the Broncos. Laybutt rolled an ankle at Captain’s Run and despite being given until the 11th hour to take his place, Todd Payten opted to rest the emerging centre. Tom Chester returns to the reserves after a terrific performance filling in for Laybutt last weekend.
3. MILESTONE MAN
Cowboys hooker Reece Robson will make his 100th NRL appearance on Friday night. The 25-year-old made his NRL debut for the Dragons in 2018 before moving to the Cowboys in 2020. He has made 91 appearances for North Queensland over the course of five seasons.
4. STATS UPDATE
Valentine Holmes leads the NRL with 36 points and 16 goals through three games. Tom Dearden sits second with three tries, one behind Deine Mariner and Tyrell Sloan. Chad Townsend’s two field goals lead the competition. Holmes ranks third in the NRL with 232 post contact metres. Reece Robson’s four try assists are tied for the most in the competition.
