North Queensland Cowboys v Wests Tigers
Sea Eagles Cherry Ripe as second half swoop downs Eels
12 mins ago | Sam Bourke
North Queensland v Wests Tigers preview
Cowboys return home in a must win match for the Tigers
Who would you rather be, Todd Payten or Michael Maguire? One has already lifted a premiership trophy with the Wests Tigers, while the other already has a title as a head coach.
Right now you wouldn't want to be either. Apart from more wins, what these two desperates need more than anything, is a loving hug.
Fanciful mathematics aside, the season for both these sides is cooked.
Like two struggling students with a report card stamped ‘tries hard, could do better', if they share an excuse, it's that they're both easily distracted.
Tom Dearden is winless in all eight appearances as a Cowboy since transfering from Brisbane two months ago. And while it would be easy to point the finger at the rookie half, he's not even a fraction of the problem at North Queensland.
With only four rounds remaining, Payten still hasn't worked out a strategy for his most expensive star. From reduced minutes at the start of the year to minimal impact on an edge last week, Jason Taumalolo's power and punch has been diluted when he should be leading the charge.
A fractured hand means the former Dally M Medalist won't enter the equation this week. He joins winger Murray Taulagi and forward Lachlan Burr on the sidelines after failing HIAs. That said, with a handy array of Origin talent, on paper at least, the Cowboys will believe they have the Tigers' measure.
For the 13th placed Tigers, there's not much else to say that hasn't already been said. Last week's scrappy victory over the last placed Bulldogs, while expected, only rubbed dirt in the faces of the loyal fans who sat through the season ending capitulation against the Warriors a week earlier.
Prior to the embarrassing loss to the Cowboys in the Tommy Raudonikis tribute match back in round 5 , Wests actually held the upper hand over North Queensland with victories in six of the previous seven going back to 2016.
Two of those wins were in Townsville, and with an unchanged 17, Wests' confidence should be high leading into their first clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Last meeting: Round 5 2021 - Wests Tigers 30 Cowboys 34
Who to watch: In a contest between two struggling sides, look for both to seek inspiration from their man in the No.6 jumper.
Following an explosive start to the season, Scott Drinkwater has come off the boil. The pace and agility that made the former Storm utility a priority signing has taken a back seat.
With just one try assist and no line breaks to show from his past three outings, the Cowboys will need to build momentum through the middle if Drinkwater is to reset the clock against a patchy Tigers defence.
Adam Doueihi is by far and away the Tigers' most consistent player. The former Rabbitoh may not feature among the frontrunners for key attacking statistics, but his unique blend of power and desire are attributes Maguire can ill afford to lose.
Last week against Canterbury, his 164 metres, one try assist and six from six off the boot ultimately proved the difference.
The favourite: Against an undermanned Cowboys, the Wests Tigers are expected to come up trumps.
My tip: With only one back-to-back victory this season, the Tigers are no sure things. Their inability to build momentum, particularly against sides from the lower half of the ladder is why they find themselves among the also rans.
Now back in the comfort of their home surroundings, look for an inspired Cowboys to end their long running drought. North Queensland by 2.
1. Valentine Holmes 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Daejarn Asi 4. Jake Granville 5. Ben Hampton 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Tom Dearden 8. Francis Molo 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. Ben Condon 12. Heilum Luki 16. Mitchell Dunn 13. Coen Hess 14. Tom Gilbert 15. Jeremiah Nanai 17. Griffin Neame 19. Connelly Lemuelu
1. Moses Mbye 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tommy Talau 4. Michael Chee-Kam 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Jacob Liddle 13. Thomas Mikaele 11. Shawn Blore 12. Luciano Leilua 16. Alex Twal 14. Joe Ofahengaue 15. Kelma Tuilagi 18. Jake Simpkin 19. Tukimihia Simpkins 21. James Roberts
Referees: Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Wyatt Raymond, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Video Referees: Henry Perenara;