Match Centre

Round 3: Cowboys v Titans preview

High temperatures and high stakes in all-Queensland showdown

The North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans will be vying for their first wins of the season as Round 3 draws to a close in Townsville.

Having clocked up plenty of kilometres on the road over the opening fortnight of the season, the North Queensland Cowboys will be desperate to atone for back-to back losses in their first home appearance for 2026.

Coming off a dismal showing against the Wests Tigers, going down 44-16 at Leichhardt Oval, last Saturday, coach Todd Payten has resisted against making mass changes with Reuben Cotter returning in place of Matt Lodge and Zac Laybutt included on the extended interchange after serving a two-match suspension.

The Cowboys have enjoyed a dominant record over the Titans during the past decade, winning 14 out of 19 meetings, including six out of ten matches contested during Payten's tenure.

In the time since Queensland Country Bank Stadium opened against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Cowboys have won their first home match of the season twice in six seasons.

Coming into Round 3 with a 0-2 record for the fifth time over the past ten seasons, the Gold Coast Titans will be desperate to get off the bottom of the premiership ladder.

Showing vast improvement from their opening round performance to lead 14-0 shortly after halftime, only to go down 18-14 to the Dolphins last Sunday, coach Josh Hannay has received a welcome boost with Jayden Campbell named as part of the six-man bench for his first appearance of the season.

The Titans have struggled historically in Townsville, winning four out of 18 appearances overall and boast one win from six visits to Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Versatile forward Chris Randall will make his 100th appearance in first grade on Sunday night; the former Newcastle hooker joined the Titans three years ago playing 70 games across a variety of positions.

Last meeting: Round 17 2025 - Titans 24 Cowboys 30

Who to watch: In a team that has been off the pace over the opening two rounds, a rare shining light for the men from North Queensland has been Braidon Burns. Averaging well over 150 running metres each week to go with 14 tackle breaks and a try, the 29-year-old journeyman has relished his opportunities across the backline after being handed a lifeline by the Cowboys two years ago. Set to become a free agent at season's end, Burns can expect to attract plenty of interest if recent performances are indicative of bigger things to come this season.

Lining up for his 100th appearance in first grade on Sunday evening, Chris Randall will be hoping his personal milestone can bring about a collective victory for the visitors. Making an eye-catching debut with 71 tackles as a hooker for Newcastle six years ago, the 30-year-old has found a home in the forward pack, averaging over 30 tackles to start the year in the number 13 jersey. Showing great tenacity to reach his century over the last seven seasons, look for Randall to offer more with the ball in hand if the Titans are to come away with their first win of the season.

Favourite: With both side sitting at the bottom of the premiership ladder, yet to register a victory after two rounds, the home ground advantage should be the edge the Cowboys need to open their 2026 account.

MY TIP: While both sides have shown defensive frailties, conceding over 30 points on average, to start the season, the Cowboys have proven to be better placed in a high-scoring shootout. North Queensland by 10.