Round 19: Cowboys v Bulldogs preview
Finishing off Saturday night is an intriguing game as the North Queensland Cowboys host the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
The Cowboys ride into this game off a slight high considering how close they ran the Storm without their Origin stars last week.
They have been a side which has been harder to pick than a broken nose because when the Cowboys are on, they are a slick side.
When they aren't though, they get scores like the first clash against the Storm and Dolphins who piled on points for fun.
Getting Tom Dearden, Reece Robson, Jeremiah Nanai and Reuben Cotter back into the side from representative duty if they pull up and that should help them possibly get a big scalp.
The Cowboys have shown they can score points but can they do it against one of the best defenses in the NRL this season.
Otherwise, it is will further mire them in the chasing pack and heap more pressure on coach Todd Payten.
There is another intriguing element to this game - earlier this week Reed Mahoney confirmed he will make the switch to the Cowboys from the Bulldogs next season.
It has been a bumpy fortnight for the Bulldogs with defeats to the Panthers and Broncos pushing them down to third place on the ladder.
The loss to the Broncos will stick in their minds after being rundown last Friday and having questions asked about everyone's favourite talking point - Lachlan Galvin.
He started his first game in the halves and had a mixed game which you would expect from a teenager but that won't stop the media.
One good thing for the Bulldogs though is all the swirl about singings and leavings have finished with Reed Mahoney and Toby Sexton confirming their new clubs for 2026.
Anyways, this is about a whole team. The Bulldogs are stuck in a slight funk but nothing gets you dancing again than the return of your Origin stars.
Stephen Crichton, Max King, Kurt Mann and Jacob Kiraz should back up if they get through Origin and give them enough bite against the Cowboys.
While it doesn't look it, this might be a big game for the Dogs. Losses to the Panthers and Broncos can be shaken off but getting gunned down by the Cowboys could be too much for them and call for changes.
Last meeting: Round 27 2024 - Bulldogs 6 Cowboys 44
Who to watch: Back in his natural position, Jaxon Purdue is an excitement machine who always has a nose for the line. Playing one of the top teams in the NRL, he might be the game breaker that the Cowboys need in an important game.
Harrison Edwards gets his chance to start at lock with the injuries to Sam McIntyre and John Bateman and has the added bonus of him playing his old club. Edwards joined the Cowboys mid last year and is a valuable utility for the Cowboys in this contest.
The spotlight will once again be right on Lachlan Galvin who gets another start in the seven jersey for the Bulldogs. Can he and Toby Sexton combine better admittedly with more of their weapons back and alleviate the tension in the air.
He did find the line last week but it wasn't a vintage performance from Villiame Kikau in the forward pack. He will match up against a good forward pack against the Cowboys and will need to bring his whole bag of tricks.
Favourite: Bulldogs should start this game favourites and eye this up as a big chance to get themselves right.
My tip: Bulldogs to get back in the winner's column with a comfortable win that showcases their strong defense again. Bulldogs by 14.
