Game Day Guide: Everything you need to know for a special Indigenous Round clash!

Author: Cowboys.com.au
Timestamp: Wed 29 Jul 2026, 01:30 PM

Your North Queensland Toyota Cowboys are back at home for a special Indigenous Round clash against the Roosters.

Find out all the details you need to know for Thursday Night Footy at Queensland Country Bank Stadium!

FIND OUT ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW IN THE GAME DAY GUIDE

A Special Occasion

With no home game scheduled for the NRL’s Indigenous Round in Rounds 23 & 24, Thursday night will see the Cowboys proudly celebrate our very own Indigenous Round, presented by Deadly Choices.

The Cowboys will take the field in the 2026 Indigenous Jersey, featuring Pryce Mara’s “Ngaw Gidha” (My Story) artwork, while fans are encouraged to arrive early to catch a special Indigenous Round pre-match ceremony.

Key Timings

5.00pm	Gates Open
5.15pm	NRLQ U21 kick-off - Cowboys v Broncos
5.55pm	NRLQ half-time
6.05pm	NRLQ second half
6.45pm	NRLQ full time
6.50pm	Pre-Game Show
	Toyota Mini League
	Maurice Blackburn Fan of the Match
	Mother Mullet Cam
7.45pm	Indigenous Round Pre-Match Ceremony
7.50pm	NRL kick-off - Cowboys v Roosters
8.30pm	NRL half-time
	Toyota Torpedo
	Deadly Choices Activation
	Townsville Bulletin Fan Cam
8.45pm	NRL second half
9.25pm	NRL full time
	McDonald's Player of the Match

Team News

Soni Luke has been named to make his second start of the season, replacing hooker Reed Mahoney, who will miss the match with concussion.

Jaxon Purdue has again been named at halfback, with Tom Dearden set for at least another three games on the sideline.

Round 22 - Round 22 - Thursday 30 Jul

9:50 am

Cowboys

Roosters

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Braidon Burns

Winger for Roosters is number 2 Tommy Talau
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Zac Laybutt

Centre for Roosters is number 3 Hugo Savala
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Tom Chester

Centre for Roosters is number 4 Robert Toia
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray Taulagi

Winger for Roosters is number 5 Mark Nawaqanitawase
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Jake Clifford

Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Daly Cherry-Evans
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Jaxon Purdue

Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker

Forwards

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Thomas Mikaele

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Naufahu Whyte
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Soni Luke

Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Reece Robson
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jason Taumalolo

Prop for Roosters is number 10 Spencer Leniu
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Heilum Luki

2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Nat Butcher
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai

2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Siua Wong
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben Cotter

Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley

Interchange

Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Ethan King

Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor Watson
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Matthew Lodge

Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Salesi Foketi
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Coen Hess

Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Egan Butcher
Interchange for Cowboys is number 18 Sam McIntyre

Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Taylor Losalu
Interchange for Cowboys is number 19 Kaiden Lahrs

Interchange for Roosters is number 18 Cody Ramsey
Interchange for Cowboys is number 20 Kai O'Donnell

Interchange for Roosters is number 19 Reece Foley

Reserves

Reserve for Cowboys is number 21 Liam Sutton

Reserve for Roosters is number 20 Tom Rodwell

Kai O'Donnell
Kaiden Lahrs
Liam Sutton

Reece Foley
Tom Rodwell
Tommy Talau

Griffin Neame
Reed Mahoney

Billy Smith
Daniel Tupou

Match Officials

Referee: Ashley Klein
Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy

Last updated: 7/29/2026 9:48:16 AM

See the next generation!

See the next generation in action as the Cowboys U21's face the Broncos in the NRLQ series. Mitch Dunn's side will be looking to bounce back as the race to the grand final heats up.

The NRLQ curtain raiser kicks off at 5.15pm.

Visit the Deadly Choices Team!

To celebrate Indigenous Round, our matchday partner Deadly Choices will be activating on the Northern Concourse. Make sure to visit the team and find out more info on how you can get your 715 health check!

Coca-Cola Find the Can - Win a Signed Cowboys Jersey!

Keep an eye out on Cowboys social channels on game day for the clue that will lead you to the hidden limited edition NRL Coca-Cola Can at the game for your chance to win a 2026 Signed NRL Cowboys Jersey.

Are you our Fan of the Match?

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers is backing Cowboys fans this weekend! Bring the noise, wear your Cowboys colours, and show us what true supporter pride looks like for your chance to be named our Fan of the Match at this weekend’s game. You could also score a $500 voucher to the Cowboys Team Shop, all thanks to Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.

See the Membership Team

Visit the Cowboys membership team to discuss your membership requirements, collect your members lanyard and take advantage of some great giveaways.

The membership team will be on the Northern concourse as well as the ticket windows at Gate A and Gate D.

For all Membership enquires call 1300 462 692 (opt 1) Have an issue on game night, visit the Ticketmaster team at one of the service windows before kick off at Gates A or D at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

The Cowboys Leagues Club Stampede

Join the famous Cowboys Stampede, led by the Townsville Drum Collective! Assemble at the Flinders Street entrance of the Club, then march united to Queensland Country Bank Stadium for the absolute best way to start your game day.

Departing from: Cowboys Leagues Club (Flinders St)
Assemble: 6.35pm | Depart: 6.50pm

Cowboys Team Shop

Be sure to head to the Cowboys Team Shop to grab the latest merchandise! The Cowboys 2026 Indigenous Jersey, featuring artist Pryce Mara’s “Ngaw Gidha” (My Story) artwork, has just landed and will be available in-store at Queensland Country Bank Stadium!

Keep an eye out for the Cowboys Team Shop merchandise van, located outside Gate A, or head to the newly opened Cowboys Team Shop Pop-Up store at Townsville Shopping Centre!