XXXX thing you need to know: Round 20 v Bulldogs

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys host the Bulldogs on Sunday evening at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

1. BIG INCLUSIONS

Cowboys Head Coach Todd Payten has confirmed all five State of Origin stars will back up for Sunday’s game. Reece Robson, Valentine Holmes, Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai all came through the decider unscathed and will take their places to face the Bulldogs.

2. MIXED RESULTS

The Cowboys have won four of their past six games against the Bulldogs. Although the Bulldogs claimed the most recent encounter, a 15-14 Golden Point victory in Round 5 last season courtesy of a Matt Burton field goal. The Dogs hold a 25-19 lead in the overall match-up.

3. STAYING HOME

The Cowboys will play five of their last seven games of the season at home as the club searches for a finals berth. The only remaining trips for Payten’s men are to face the Tigers in Round 22 and the Bulldogs to close the home and away season in Round 27.

4. STATS UPDATE

Scott Drinkwater continues to dominate a number of playmaking statistics. He leads the competition with 21 line-break assists and three 40/20s as well as sitting second with 18 try assists and 324 runs. Chad Townsend is tied for fourth with 17 try assists. Valentine Holmes ranks third with 140 points, 13 behind leader Jamayne Isaako. Reuben Cotter’s 650 tackles rank fourth in the NRL.