Round 13: Cowboys v Titans preview - 2017 Round 13
Queensland rivals meet in critical clash for both side's finals aspirations
The Cowboys will have to do without star halfback Jonathan Thurston for another week as they attempt to confirm their spot in the Top Eight against the Titans this week. However, in a further blow to their chances of doing so, centre Justin O'Neill has been ruled out of backing up from Wednesday night's Origin clash with Javid Bowen taking his spot in the seventeen. In saying this, for the first time in quite a while, Paul Green will have the luxury of a fresh, rested forward pack in the Origin period. He will certainly need lock Jason Taumalolo to lead from the front as the Cowboys look to overcome an underrated Gold Coast pack.
Meanwhile, the Titans have also been hit relatively hard by the Origin period with hooker Nathan Peats in severe doubt for Saturday night's clash. Centre Jarryd Hayne, however, will back up and will look to translate the confidence of Wednesday night's victory to club land as the Titans attempt to keep in touch with the Top Eight. Coach Neil Henry will hope his side can bounce back from their disappointing 30-10 loss to the Sea Eagles a fortnight ago. The Gold Coast had scored 30-plus points in the three games prior to that loss and had built the reputation as the competition's bravest side. Yet, Henry would have been particularly concerned by his team's lack of effort, especially in front of their home fans.
Last Meeting: The Cowboys overcame a persistent Titans outfit 32-26 at CBUS Super Stadium in Round 4 this year.
Who to watch: Mentioned earlier, if the Cowboys are to prevail, look out for a powerful performance from lock Jason Taumalolo. The 2016 Dally M Player of the Year has built upon last year's success, averaging a whopping 201.7 metres a game, 35 more than his 2016 average. If he can produce similar numbers this week, it will go a long way to helping his side's chances of picking up the points.
While the Cowboys have Taumalolo, it could be said that, given his price tag, the Titans would expect a similar output from star centre Jarryd Hayne. Hayne, who signed a new 2-year deal this week showed glimpses of his immense potential in the Blues' 28-4 win over Queensland. Hayne scored a try, broke four tackles and ran for 137 metres in a very polished performance. Such numbers must be replicated in club land to justify his lofty price tag.
Favourite: Despite JT's absence, the Cowboys are expected to take down the Titans.
Tip: Very tough choice, but Peat's likely absence could prove critical in regards to weakening the Gold Coast's ruck defence. Cowboys by 6.
