NRL TEAMS - 2024 Round 4
3 days ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Canberra Raiders v North Queensland Cowboys
GIO Stadium - Saturday 3:00pm
Expect plenty of points as the Raiders look to break the Cowboys 10-game winning streak.
Having been written off at the start of 2015, the Raiders have been one of the major surprise packets so far this season. Capable of piling on plenty of points, the Green Machine face their biggest test of the season against the high-flying Cowboys but will fancy their chances at home. Coach Ricky Stuart has retained the same 17-man squad that outclassed Newcastle a fortnight ago, but don't be surprised to see former Knight Joey Leilua line up for Canberra as a late inclusion. Sam Williams will play his 50th game for the Raiders having debuted back in 2011.
Enjoying their best season in over a decade, the Cowboys will be looking to add a further scalp against Canberra, but will need to wait until the aftermath of Wednesday's second Origin before settling on a team. In the only change from the incredible come-from-behind win over Parramatta in Round 13, Rory Kostjasyn returns to the bench in place of the injured Ray Thompson. However, the likes of Glenn Hall, Robert Lui and Kelepi Tanginoa may earn a start in Paul Green's squad if the Cowboys origin contingent fails to back up from the Melbourne Cricket Ground clash.
Last Meeting: Round 11, 2014 - Canberra Raiders 42 North Queensland Cowboys 12
Who to watch: Having broken through the 1000 point barrier in his last performance against the Knights, Jarrod Croker will be out to continue his point-scoring on Saturday afternoon. Currently leading the NRL with 126 points so far this season, the Raiders captain will need to be at his best with the boot coming up against Johnathan Thurston. With both sides known for their attacking prowess, goal-kicking may well prove the difference in what will likely entertain attacking league fans.
He may not have the profile as some of his teammates, but there are few second-rowers more damaging than Gavin Cooper. Coming up with a hat-trick against the Eels, Cooper has been devastating in 2015, with his combination with Johnathan Thurston producing several crucial tries in recent weeks. Closing in on 200 first grade matches, Cooper remains one of the most underrated players for North Queensland, but will inevitably play a vital role if the Cowboys are to extend their winning run to 11 matches.
The favourite: While the Raiders have only managed one victory at GIO Stadium so far this season, the uncertainty surrounding the Cowboys backing up from Origin has many punters leaning towards Canberra.
My tip: With both sides renown for their attacking ability, defence should be the difference; giving the Cowboys a slight advantage in an entertaining affair. Cowboys by 6.
1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Sisa Waqa 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Sam Williams 8. Paul Vaughan 9. Josh Hodgson 10. David Shillington 11. Josh Papalii 12. Iosia Soliola 13. Shaun Fensom
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Jarrad Kennedy 16. Frank Paul Nuuausala 17. Shannon Boyd
1. Lachlan Coote 2. Matthew Wright 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 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. Ben Hannant 17. Sam Hoare
Referees: Ashley Klein, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Kasey Badger; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Luke Phillips;