Round 20: Run to September begins for Cowboys and Bulldogs in crucial clash
The Cowboys and Bulldogs will want to keep their momentum rolling when they clash in a match that could be heavily effected by Origin.
The Cowboys are still licking their wounds from a narrow golden point loss to Manly prior to their Round 19 bye- just their second loss in 7 matches. Scott Drinkwater was at his best out the back, while Jeremiah Nanai and Rueben Cotter showed why their Origin players and Jason Taumalolo ran for over 200 metres, however disappointing performances from Chad Townsend and Tom Dearden cruelled their chances.
Todd Payten has named all 5 of his origin reps in the reserves and will make a call later in the week as to whether or not they back up. Semi Valemei is also in the reserves as he nears a return from an ankle injury. Jaxon Purdue, Jake Clifford, Jake Granville, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Sam McIntyre were named in the starting side but could drop out if Origin stars back up.
The Dogs by contrast picked up a second straight golden point win before their own Round 19 bye, downing the Warriors 13-12 after Matt Burton iced the win in the 89th minute. Burton was brilliant, as was halves partner Toby Sexton as well as forwards Max King, Reed Mahoney, Viliame Kikau and Josh Curran.
In a bitter blow King has been sidelined and could miss the rest of 2024 with a wrist injury. Josh Curran moves from the bench to starting prop as a result while Jacob Preston returns from a foot injury in the back row. Poasa Faamausili is the new man on the bench. Skipper Stephen Crichton has been named to back up from Origin while Blues 18th man Matt Burton and Maroons reserve Reed Mahoney are also set to play.
The Cowboys defence has improved dramatically throughout the second half of the season, and that could play to their advantage against a Bulldogs outfit that has shown some weakness with their attacking game. By contrast however should the Cowboys Origin stars not back up, the Dogs defence could be what wins them the game.
Last meeting: Round 5 2023 - Bulldogs 15 Cowboys 14
Who to watch: Regardless of whether or not the Cowboys stars back up, Scott Drinkwater will be their key to winning this one. He's run for over 200 metres in two of the Cowboys last three games, including 280 metres against Manly. Throw in 11 try contributions in the last 7 and you see one of the big reasons as to why the club has turned around their season to be on the brink of the finals.
The return of Jacob Preston could prove crucial for the Bulldogs, especially given the loss of Max King. Preston's 2024 has been interrupted by injury but he's been superb, with 5 tries in 9 games to go along with 33 tackles a game at an efficiency of almost 97%. If he can hit the ground running against the Cowboys, it will go a long way to helping the Dogs win the battle of the packs.
The favourite: The Cowboys have been installed as favourites, presumably on the assumption their Origin stars back up.
My tip: As the squads are named I believe the Bulldogs have a clear edge, but that doesn't hold up if the Cowboys stars do back up. Cowboys by 8
