Match Centre

Round 1: Cowboys v Raiders preview

Cowboys look for early statement after breakout 2022 season

The Canberra Raiders were one of the league's biggest disappointments during the trial period but luckily for Ricky Stuart, they were just that - trials. 

But even still, the way the Raiders fell apart in defence without firing much of a shot against the Tigers would have been a cause for concern, regardless of whether competition points were on the line.

Unfortunately for Canberra, it gets one of the tougher tasks in the competition to kick off its 2023 season as a trip to North Queensland awaits.

The Cowboys were solid in the pre-season challenge, going down 20-18 to the Broncos in their most recent hit-out.

For Todd Payten, signs of rust in attack on Saturday night will not be much of a concern. What would be worrying though would be a lack of intensity in defence.

North Queensland built so much of its success last season off pure hard work defending its line and a lot of that goes back to attitude. Payten instilled the right attitude in the playing group last year.

For the Cowboys to build on their breakout 2022 season, they will need to pick up where they left off and make an early statement without the ball in hand. 

North Queensland will be near full-strength for Saturday's game, although Heilum Luki (torn ACL) and Luciano Leilua (stood down) are both sidelined in a hit to its backrow stocks.

As for Canberra, all eyes will be on Sebastian Kris as he fills in at fullback for the injured Xavier Savage. 

Savage picked up a jaw injury in the Raiders' first game of the pre-season challenge and initially Stuart experimented with Kris at fullback in his place.

The experiment failed miserably, although it was just a trial game and the team as a whole left a lot to be desired, but still Kris failed to offer any real spark in attack or ball-playing option out the back. 

Pasami Saulo also makes his club debut in place of Josh Papalii, who is sidelined with a minor calf strain, while Danny Levi has been given the first shot at Canberra's starting hooker role.

Tom Starling will offer spark from the bench.

Last meeting: Round 6 2022 - Raiders 12 Cowboys 18

Who to watch: Canberra was torn to shreds through the middle by the Tigers in last week's trial, so look for North Queensland hooker Reece Robson to thrive. Robson emerged as a genuine bolter for State of Origin honours last year, only held back by New South Wales' superior depth in the position. But there was little doubting Robson was central to so much of North Queensland's success last year. He simplified the game plan when it was needed, taking advantage of quick play-the-balls and using his speed to catch the defence flatfooted. When it was on, he was also happy to spread the ball early and get it quickly to halves Tom Dearden and Chad Townsend. Even if that connection is clunky on Saturday, Robson should have plenty of success just going right through Canberra's middle defence.

As for the Raiders, if they are to cause an upset on Saturday it will come from gaining the advantage up front. Canberra has a forward pack stacked with representative talent, including a genuine game-breaker in Joseph Tapine. The Kiwi international, who re-signed with the Raiders last year until the end of 2027, won the club's Mal Meninga Medal for best player of the season and was also named in the Dally M Team of the Year. Tapine averaged career-high numbers in run metres (165) and tackle busts (3.1) and is still in the prime of his career at 28 years old. With Tapine leading the way, Canberra will continue to keep games close even if the key playmakers battle early season rust.

The favourite: The Cowboys are expected to kick off their 2023 campaign with a win.

My tip: There are just far too many question marks over the Raiders' spine to tip them here. Provided the Cowboys' defence stands tall, they should have the clear advantage, particularly at home. North Queensland by 18.