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Wests Tigers v North Queensland Cowboys Saturday 5:30pm at Leichhardt Oval, Lilyfield / Wanngal

Milestone match sees rivals reunite on Wanngal land

Luke Brooks will become the fifth player to reach 200 first grade appearances for the Wests Tigers when the joint venture hosts the North Queensland Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday evening. 

Coming into the match on the bottom of the ladder and boasting the worst attacking record in the league, the Wests Tigers will be hoping the sense of occasion inspires a positive reaction at their spiritual home.

Going down gallantly to the top of the table Rabbitohs 20-0 last week, coach Tim Sheens has resisted the urge to make changes for the clash opposite their 2005 grand final foes.

Luke Brooks will join Chris Heighington, Robbie Farah, Benji Marshall and Chris Lawrence in reaching 200 first grade appearances for the joint venture, while underrated outside back Starford To'a will play his 50th first grade match.

Winning three of their past ten Indigenous Round matches, the Tigers have lost their past four matches on the lands of the Wanngal people.

Returning to form with back-to-back wins over the past fortnight, the North Queensland Cowboys will be aiming to continue their winning ways south of the border.

Posting their largest score of the season with a 42-22 victory over the Dragons last Saturday, the Cowboys will be looking to defy precedent at a venue where they have managed two wins from 12 visits historically.

Recording three wins from their past four matches against the Tigers, coach Todd Payten will welcome back Riley Price in place of Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, while mid-season acquisition Sam McIntyre is part of the extended squad.

The Cowboys have lost six of their past ten Indigenous Round matches, including a 20-12 defeat at the hands of the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval five years ago.

Last meeting: Round 19 2022 - Cowboys 27 Wests Tigers 26

Who to watch: Providing plenty of punch through the middle of the field, experienced front-rower David Klemmer will be looking to make one final push for a representative recall. Playing every game for the joint venture this season with an average of 160 running metres in just under 51 minutes of on-field action, the 29-year-old could force his way back into the Origin arena for the first time in four years given the dearth of experienced and injury-free middle forwards. Renown as one of the most intimidating players at the height of his career, Klemmer will have a point to prove as the Tigers strive to bounce back at home.

Emerging as a breakout star at all levels last season, a strong showing from Reuben Cotter could see the hard-working forward earn a Maroon jumper. Coming into grade as one of several players vying to play hooker, the 24-year-old has fashioned a reputation for doing the hard yards through the middle of the field. Debuting for Queensland in the opening match of last season only to miss the rest of the series through injury, a strong showing on Saturday could see Cotter beat out a host of rivals for a place in Billy Slater's squad.

Favourite: Coming into the contest off the back of consecutive victories, the Cowboys are expected to play spoilers and claim a rare victory at Leichhardt

My tip: While the final margin failed to reflect the closeness of the Tigers' defensive effort last Saturday, the attacking prowess of the Cowboys should prove decisive at the end of 80 minutes. Cowboys by 10.

1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Starford To'a 4. Tommy Talau 5. Junior Tupou 6. Brandon Wakeham 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. John Bateman 15. Joe Ofahengaue 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jake Simpkin 16. Alex Twal 17. Asu Kepaoa 18. Alex Seyfarth

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Heilum Luki 23. Luciano Leilua 13. Reuben Cotter 12. Jack Gosiewski 14. Jake Granville 15. Mitchell Dunn 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 18. Zac Laybutt

Referees: Ben Cummins; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Phil Henderson; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;