XXXX things we need to know: Round 27 v Bulldogs

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys travel to Sydney to face the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium on Saturday night.

1. ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS

The Cowboys can secure a home final with a victory over the Bulldogs. North Queensland would secure fifth spot with a win, setting up a final with eighth position at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Week 1 of the finals. A loss would mean either sixth position and a home final if Manly fall to the Sharks or seventh spot and a trip to Sydney if Manly win.

2. ALL HANDS ON DECK

Todd Payten has named as close to a full-strength team as possible to take on the Bulldogs. Although Jordan McLean, Reece Robson and Tom Mikaele have not been declared certain starters as the trio battle respective hamstring injuries. Second-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been named in the reserves as he attempts to return from a thumb injury.

3. TON AND A HALF

Kyle Feldt enters his final regular season game as a Cowboy two tries short of 150 for his career. Heading to the Super League in 2025, Feldt will have at least two more opportunities to become just the 17th player in premiership history to score 150 tries.

4. STATS UPDATE

Valentine Holmes holds a five-point lead for the NRL’s point-scoring crown heading into the final round. Holmes has scored 226 points through 26 rounds, with Jamayne Isaako hot on his heels with 221. Feldt is now outright second with 20 tries, three behind Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira. Scott Drinkwater leads the NRL with 28 linebreak assists, sits second with 24 try assists and fourth with 421 runs.