Rabbitohs v Cowboys preview

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Cowboys travel ‘away' to North Queensland

Heading north for a home game in Cairns, South Sydney will be looking to take advantage of a battered North Queensland outfit coming off a tough Monday night clash. With three days of additional recovery leading into Sunday's fixture, the Rabbitohs will fancy their chances as they fight to keep their faint finals hopes alive. Bolstered by the return of representative halfback Adam Reynolds, the Rabbitohs will be hopeful his influence proves the difference, while rookie forward Jack Gosweiski comes onto the bench in place of former Shark Patrice Siolo. Having taken home matches to Barlow Park since 2013, the Rabbitohs have claimed victory on two occasions and will be looking to make amends for a disappointing fade out against Canberra last season.

Demonstrating their championship qualities to come from behind last Monday night, the Cowboys will make the trek to Cairns on Sunday for their first daytime game in over twelve months. Having held off a determined Manly outfit at home, the premiers will be wary of a Souths side well down on form, but capable of staging an ambush. With Michael Morgan still sidelined, experienced campaigner Ray Thompson comes into the side to partner Johnathan Thurston, while Rory Kostjasyn shifts back to the bench in place of Patrick Kaufusi. Dominating recent meetings between the two sides, the Cowboys will be out to extend their form over the Rabbitohs having pulled off five wins from the past six clashes. After starting his career with North Queensland a decade ago, underrated backrower Gavin Cooper will play his 150th game for the club after previous stints with the Titans and Panthers.

Last meeting: Round 7 2016 - Cowboys 44 Rabbitohs 18

Who to watch: While his time in the NRL will be short-lived, new Rabbitohs recruit Joe Burgess will be out to make a mark before returning to Wigan next season. Touted as a star signing for the Roosters 12-months ago, the English international struggled to break into Trent Robinson's side, but with a chance to cement a regular position under Michael Maguire, expect big things from the renown try-scorer. Crossing for 52 tries in 54 appearances for Wigan, the 21-year-old has a knack for crossing the white line and will be looking to capitalise on his opportunity on Sunday. 

Named as 18th man for the Maroons, Cowboys back-rower Ethan Lowe has proven himself to be one of the most improved players for the reigning premiers. Having struggled to break into Paul Green's lineup two years ago, his determination and application on the field has brought deserved dividends. As a key figure in North Queensland's forward dominance, Lowe will have his sights set laying a strong platform for his playmakers, while also using his size and power to get across the tryline. At just 25 years of age, the former Roosters lower grader looks set for a long career in the NRL and will be out to help the Cowboys secure back-to-back titles.

The favourite: Having held off a spirited fight-back from the Sea Eagles, the Cowboys are expected to account for the ‘home team'.

My tip: Even without key members of their premiership winning squad, North Queensland find a way to come out on top at the end of 80 minutes. Cowboys by 12.

1. Cody Walker 2. Alex Johnston 3. Greg Inglis 4. Aaron Gray 5. Joe Burgess 6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Nathan Brown 11. John Sutton 12. Kyle Turner 13. Sam Burgess
Interchange: 14. Tautalatasi Tasi 15. Jason Clark 22. Damien Cook 17. David Tyrrell

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 20. Javid Bowen 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Ray Thompson 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matthew Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Rory Kostjasyn 15. John Asiata 16. Scott Bolton 17. Ben Hannant

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Tim Roby, Dave Ryan; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea