The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys host the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks on Saturday afternoon.
1. HOME SWEET HOME
Todd Payten’s men return to Queensland Country Bank Stadium for the first time in 2025 after being on the road for the final trial and Round 1. The Cowboys won eight of their 13 fixtures at home in 2024, including the 28-16 victory over the Knights in Week 1 of the finals.
2. FULFILLING A DREAM
Airlie Beach product Kai O’Donnell will become Cowboy No.323 on Saturday afternoon. A diehard Cowboys fan as a youngster, O’Donnell’s club debut comes after a roller coaster rugby league journey, which included stops at Canberra and the UK. O’Donnell has been named to start in the second row against the Sharks.
3. FIRST NQ HITOUT
Saturday’s clash against the Sharks marks the first home outing as Cowboys for Tom Duffy, John Bateman and Karl Lawton. For Townsville product Duffy it will be his first game in his hometown after making his NRL debut in Round 1.
4. TOUGH OPPONENT
The Sharks have presented a difficult task for the Cowboys in recent seasons, although the two teams did split the two 2024 outings, including the home outing in Round 21, which was a 30-22 Cowboys triumph.
