North Queensland Cowboys v Canberra Raiders
NRL 2025: what you need to know
46 days ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Cowboys v Raiders preview
Cows search for redemption as Raiders search for finals
The finals race is one that continues to heat up as the North Queensland Cowboys play host to the Canberra Raiders as part of Super Saturday.
North Queensland will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing second half collapse against the Broncos. After leading 18-12, the Cowboys proceeded to concede five second half tries as they let a golden opportunity to put pressure on the top four slip. Cowboys coach Todd Payten described the capitulation bluntly. "But across the group we had too many guys miss their assignment and some guys missed it on multiple occasions. So that's the disappointing part" Payten said.
To beat the Raiders, they need to go back to basics, dominate the middle and let the stars do the talking out-wide. Far too often this season, the Cowboys have let their opposition walk over them, especially at home as they have only won 50% of matches at QCB Stadium. The hosts had a commanding victory in Canberra back in June, so expect the Raiders to be after revenge. But, if the Cowboys come to play, it'll be a big statement the Cowboys needed going into September. Future Rooster Chad Townsend has been dropped, Jake Clifford takes his place. Jeremiah Nanai will miss the game after suffering a head knock against the Broncos so Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will start the game and Thiomas Mikaele joins the bench.
Canberra on the other hand, started so well last weekend going set for set with one of the game's more exciting attacking units. However, a controversial knock-on ruling which could've led to a try if it was allowed to play on blunted Canberra's run. The second half was yet another horrific capitulation as they trailed by as much as 34 points midway through the second half. Coach Ricky Stuart took aim at the decisions post game but acknowledged his team needed to find a way to overcome the decisions.
To beat the Cowboys, they need to utilise their speed. Stuart himself has stated that it's one of the fastest sides he has been involved in. So, expect the Raiders to take a peak from the Broncos playbook, especially following the second half rampage they put on the Cowboys. The Raiders will also need to win the battle up-front, if Tapine and Papali'i dominate the middle and give the halves the platform to play on, the outside chance Canberra have to play finals footy is still in touch. Jordan Rapana is OUT, Seb Kris goes to wing, Ethan Strange to centre and Adam Cook coming in at five-eighth. Danny Levi and Emre Guler have been added to the bench. Trey Mooney drops to the reserves. Albert Hopoate is 18th man.
Last meeting: Round 15 2024 - Raiders 16 Cowboys 34
Who to watch: Given the outside noise about his contract status, it's about time Val Holmes puts himself in the shop window for other clubs. In what has been a difficult season for the former New York Jet, Holmes has been found out repeatedly in defence which has led to several tries being conceded down his edge. His work with the football hasn't been questioned, but the defensive concerns have continued to linger in Townsville.
Since his return from a bicep injury, Jamal Fogarty has continued to be the steady influence the Raiders lacked. Fogarty's kicking game has been one of the best in the NRL with a powering boot forcing outside backs to work it out of their corners. Fogarty is averaging 551 kick metres a game and has forced 9 drop-outs, watch for Fogarty to deliver this weekend.
FAVOURITE: Cowboys go into this one as favourites, they have also won their past five encounters against the Raiders. At QCB Stadium, the Raiders have only one once which also coincided with their last win against the Cowboys in 2020.
MY TIP: I have this game as too close to call, but in the meaning of helping everyone get a tip right this weekend. I slightly favour the Cowboys at home, Payten will have his troops riled up for this one, they rarely have two bad games at home on the trot. Canberra will be competitive but it will be well fought contest. Cowboys by 1.
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Jaxon Purdue 17. Griffin Neame 18. Tomas Chester
1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Sebastian Kris 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Ethan Strange 5. Xavier Savage 6. Adam Cook 7. Jamal Fogarty 16. Ata Mariota 8. Josh Papali'i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Emre Guler 17. Simi Sasagi 18. Albert Hopoate
Referees: Todd Smith; Sideline Officials: Phil Henderson, Tyson Brough; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;