Round 17: Cowboys v Dragons preview
Sunday night football heads to Townsville as the North Queensland Cowboys look to break a 9-match losing streak up against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
The Cowboys haven't tasted victory since their Round 7 upset victory over the Newcastle Knights and will be looking to give interim coach Josh Hannay a first NRL victory. Last weekend, the Cowboys fell to a 28-12 defeat against the Cronulla Sharks. Despite scoring first against Cronulla, the Cowboys were outplayed by their opponents which has been the story of their season as they have struggled to match their opposition throughout the season. The Cowboys will be looking to replicate their performance when they were last at home in Townsville when they only feel to defeat against the Rabbitohs in the dying minutes.
Cowboys coach Josh Hannay has rung the changes for his side this weekend with a number of injuries and tactical changes forcing his hands. Michael Morgan and Coen Hess have been ruled out through injury and suspension respectively with Jake Clifford called into the halves to replace Morgan whilst Hess has been replaced by Gavin Cooper in the Cowboys starting line-up. Valentine Holmes has moved into the fullback role with Scott Drinkwater moving to the five-eighth role.
The St George Illawarra Dragons remote chances of making the NRL finals were diminished last weekend when they suffered a 14-10 defeat to the Gold Coast Titans. The disappointing defeat for the Dragons was more painful given that the Titans took victory thanks to two Titans try in the final five minutes. Throughout the season, the Dragons have mixed their form which has been shown by the fact that the Red ‘V' were able to take victory over Parramatta but struggle to beat Brisbane and then fall to a defeat by the Gold Coast Titans. The Dragons despite their poor form haven't been blown off the park in any match so their best performance could be a big danger for the Cowboys.
In contrast to their opposition, the St George Illawarra Dragons have only made the one chance with Tyrell Fuimaono returning to the bench from suspension in the place of veteran Trent Merrin.
Last meeting: Round 15 2019 - Dragons 22 Cowboys 14
Who to watch: Returning from his NFL pipe dream, Valentine Holmes has struggled to find his place back in the NRL with injuries and poor form hampering his 2020 season. Holmes returns to the fullback role after filling in on the wing last weekend. The Cowboys will hopefully be boosted by Holmes return to the number 1 jersey but there will be expectations put upon him.
Dragons fullback Matt Dufty has arguably been their best player in 2020 as well as their most improved player. Dufty has become the most dangerous play maker for the Red ‘V' this season chalking up 9 try assists which is the most for any Dragons player albeit 20th best in the competition. Most of the Dragons attacking play has to go through Dufty and it is his efforts on Sunday night that will be most important factor is if the Dragons take victory.
The favourite: The Dragons have been installed as comfortable favourites given the poor run that the Cowboys have been on this season.
My tip: Although the Cowboys have lost nine straight leading into this weekend, their last performance at QCB Stadium was impressive against the Rabbitohs and if they can bring that level of effort then they should be able to get past the Dragons. Cowboys by 4.
North Queensland Cowboys Form Guide
