Cowboys v Dolphins preview

Embed from Getty Images

North Queensland Cowboys v Dolphins Saturday 7:35pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville / Wulgurukaba

Two teams that rocketed up the ladder but have serious question marks over their premiership credentials face off in a Saturday night Queensland derby. 

Both the Dolphins and Cowboys were once two of the most in-form teams in the league but also have had the benefit of a relatively soft schedule to open the 2024 season.

Obviously you can only play what is in front of you, as the Sharks have proven having made easy work of lesser opponents on the way to top spot.

But both the Dolphins and Cowboys stumbled last week, albeit with Wayne Bennett's side coming up short against an underperforming Knights team.

The Dolphins though have a testing next two months ahead with games against the Sea Eagles, Sharks and Storm on the horizon along with a trip across the ditch to face the Warriors.

The Cowboys, on the other hand, have a host of easily winnable matches in the near future, meaning expectations will be high for North Queensland to turn around its spluttering form.

Todd Payten's team has looked a shell of itself in recent weeks, although the Cowboys showed grit to fight back last week and push the Panthers to the brink in a 26-20 loss.

Still, it is a far cry from the 43-18 win over the Dolphins earlier in the year.

As for the Dolphins, they scored two tries late to give the Knights a scare in an 18-14 defeat, which was a disappointing follow-up to what could have been a season-defining demolition of Parramatta.

In team news, Heilum Luki returns from injury having been sidelines since Round 2 and replaces Jake Granville on the bench while Viliami Vailea makes his club debut in the centres for Tom Chester, who picked up a hamstring injury in the loss to Penrith.

As for the Dolphins, Felise Kaufusi and Connelly Lemuelu return while skipper Jesse Bromwich is also set to overcome a calf issue, although the news isn't as positive on brother Kenny, who is out after failing a HIA in the loss to the Knights. 

Last meeting: Round 1 2024 - Dolphins 18 Cowboys 43

Who to watch: Thomas Mikaele should have been in this Cowboys team far sooner but he made up for lost time last week with an impactful performance against Penrith. Mikaele's offloads in particular troubled a tiring Panthers pack, while his runs helped get North Queensland on the front foot. Mikaele ran for 77 metres to go with four tackle busts and a pair of offloads in just 17 minutes and should see an even bigger role on Saturday night.

As for the Dolphins, Trai Fuller is another player who is quickly proving he could be a star in the NRL if given the opportunity. Filling in for the injured Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, while Fuller is unlikely to remain in first grade when the Dolphins' regular fullback returns he is making quite the case to be snapped up by any team with a glaring need at the position. Fuller was electric against the Knights, running for a team-high 240 metres to go with three linebreaks, a linebreak assist and 10 tackle busts. The meterage from Penrith's back three was a big reason for the premiers' success last week and Fuller will play a key role in helping get the Dolphins' sets off to strong starts.

Favourite: The Cowboys are well-backed to snap their losing skid. 

My tip:  The Cowboys looked to have turned a corner last week and should be too strong at home, especially if they jump out to an early lead. Their bench in particular packs a punch and can turn the game if the Dolphins either lead or keep it close. Cowboys by 12.

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Semi Valemei 6. Tom Dearden 19. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Heilum Luki 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Jason Taumalolo 18. Jake Granville

1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Tesi Niu 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 17. Connelly Lemuelu 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath 10. Mark Nicholls 14. Josh Kerr 15. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Ray Stone 18. Oryn Keeley

Referees: Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Jarrod Cole, Tyson Brough; Video Referees: Wyatt Raymond;