Match Centre

Round 6: Cowboys v Dolphins preview

A Good Friday for a Queensland derby

A premiership first will take place on Good Friday when the North Queensland Cowboys host the Dolphins in an all Queensland affair at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Hosting a match at home on Good Friday for the first time in history, the North Queensland Cowboys will be determined to bounce back after gut-wrenching defeat in extra time last Sunday.

Leading for 79 minutes against the Bulldogs only to go down 15-14 after conceding a late try and field goal, coach Todd Payten will welcome back dynamic fullback Scott Drinkwater after serving a three-match suspension.

Highly impressive young gun Tom Chester retains his place in the squad on the bench, while Reuben Cotter returns in the forward pack with Jordan McLean and Heilum Luki sidelined through injury.

This is the third time the Cowboys have played on Good Friday; on both previous occasions the side has gone down to the Sea Eagles (2014) and Broncos (2016) playing away from home.

The Dolphins will face their first sink or swim moment as a mounting injury toll threatens to derail a promising start to the season.

Producing their worst performance to date during last week's dismal 38-12 defeat at the hands of the Dragons, coach Wayne Bennett will be determined to put aside the disappointment of the Wollongong debacle and bounce back following consecutive losses.

Pairing Kodi Nikorima alongside Isaiya Katoa in the halves following injuries to Sean O'Sullivan and Anthony Milford, one-time Queensland representative Edrick Lee will make his club debut in place of Jack Bostock.

Kurt Donoghoe returns in place of fellow rookie Mason Teague to provide utility value off the bench.

Who to watch: Returning to Townsville for the first time since suffering an ACL tear more than a year ago, versatile forward Mitchell Dunn will be looking to resurrect his career with a strong showing. Playing his first game post-recovery during last week's golden point loss to the Bulldogs, the 26-year-old boasts a point of difference with the ability to play multiple positions across the forward pack and backline. Out of contract at the end of this season, look for Dunn to make an impression in the number eight jersey and press his case for a new deal.

Becoming the third player in as many weeks to partner Isaiya Katoa in the halves, experienced utility Kodi Nikorima will be hoping to get the premiership newcomers back in the winner's circle. Playing two matches over the opening five rounds off the bench, the former Brisbane, New Zealand and South Sydney player has played the majority of his career in the halves at club and international levels since debuting in 2015. Renown for his ability to provide impact through his diminutive size, the Dolphins will need Nikorima to offer a steadying influence in order to avoid a third loss on the trot.   

The favourite:  Returning home following a golden point defeat last week, the Cowboys are expected to outclass their injury-hit opponents.

My tip: While many people initially gave the Dolphins little chance with a fully fit team, there was near universal agreement that the newcomers would struggle when the toll of injuries and suspensions inevitably occurred. As pressure begins to build, Friday night shapes as their most revealing match to date. Cowboys by 10.