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North Queensland Cowboys v Melbourne Storm Thursday 7:50pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville / Wulgurukaba

The 2024 minor premiers Melbourne Storm travel a little lighter in strength to Queensland Country Bank Stadium to take on a well-rested North Queensland Cowboys to open round 26 this Thursday night.

While Storm coach Craig Bellamy has opted to rest most of his usual team, Cowboys coach Todd Payten has named a strong side keen to make a statement in front of the loyal home crowd.

The Cowboys come into the Thursday night clash off the back of a bye and a big win against the Canberra Raiders of 42-4 in round 24. Todd Payten said the win came off by running hard and not stopping, setting themselves up for the win by starting the string early and backing that up in the second half. When asked about this in the post-game presser, Payten said he was proud of how halfback Jake Clifford had become after dealing with adversity. And his efforts are shining enough for him to keep out veteran halfback Chad Townsend. While the talk of Valentine Holmes leaving the club had made headlines, his performance was enough to show his commitment to the team and their drive for finals glory. Given how tight the premiership has been this year, if the Cowboys produce two strong performances to end the year, one against the Storm and then the Bulldogs in the last round, they would get a home elimination final. The Cowboys will be boosted up front, with Jeremiah Nanai and Jason Taumalolo returning to the run on the side.

The Storm was devastating in the last round, dismantling the Dolphins 48-6 to the raucous home crowd at AAMI Park. Craig Bellamy was happy the team were able to soak up early pressure from the Dolphins and came back to put on a dominant display, keeping the Queenslanders to zip in the first half.
Bellamy has praised his team's efforts and said they have shown consistency by taking the minor premiership. And in a year when it has been hard for them to get all their elite players on the field at once, it shows the depth and performance demands from the Storm system are elite. Bellamy gave props to his halfback Hughes, who he said has taken the reins of the team for the majority of the season while key players like Cameron Munster, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Harry Grant have been away. Averaging top performances all year, it's interesting that the Kiwi representative doesn't sit higher on the Dally M Awards ladder. But the half-back will be rested this round, as to Harry Grant, Will Warbrick, Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Josh King, Shawn Blore, Eli Katoa, Trent Loiero and Tui Kamikamica. Replacing the familiar names in the backline are Dean Ieremia, Marion Seve and Young Tonumaipea, and Grant Anderson going into halfback. Up front are Christian Welch, Lazarus Vaalepu, Alec MacDonald, and super-utility Tyran Wishart will be number 9. It's a big hand to be played by Melbourne, but it shows how serious they are about the finals series, which can be seen as a different competition with higher demands on performance.

Last meeting: Round 14 2023 - Cowboys 45 Storm 20

Who to watch: Jake Clifford has returned as a new and stronger player and isn't letting anyone down since he has been given the reins for the Cowboys. The combination between him and Tom Dearden provides confidence to the team, with structure for the forwards and slick ball movement for the backs. Scott Drinkwater will be at his best; the fullback will pop up at any part of the attacking play to chime in and create doubt in defensive lines. His tenacity shows as he is rated third on try assists in the league. With the Storm having so many new faces in roles, Drinkwater will likely go on probing sorties testing their resolve. Val Holmes may have had a quiet year to his standards, but he is currently hitting his strides. He also has the highest tally of points by any player so far. Homes at his best is a problem, defending well and running at high speed, drawing in more than one player to lock him up, allowing gaps to open up for a quick ball play and someone like Drinwater to attack a broken line. The Cowboys' bench forwards guarantee to inject themselves when they get on, and players like Sam McIntyre and Griffin Neame have been able to keep up the intensity in the middle that has helped get the Cowboys into the position they are in now.

Cameron Munster has chosen not to take a rest; after missing much of the year through injury, the gun five-eighth seems to be enjoying his footy. Munster is building himself up to a big finals series and will be out to ensure the Storm takes it to the Cowboys. Thank goodness we have a flying Ryan Papenhuyzen playing footy and looking in good shape. His run of horror injuries seems an afterthought for the star. And though he may not be up to his previous speed, his skills and game awareness have only improved, and Paps is a shoo-in to get some exciting tries in this game. When Tyran Wishart got his hands on the ball from the bench, the Storm looked good. The classy player will be a good problem up front for the Cowboys, as his speed and kicking game will help the star-depleted Storm stay on the front foot against the Cowboys. Grant Anderson has been answering the call playing in the outside backs. Bellamy will put the young players' skills on show as he takes on the number 7 jersey for this round. The Storm has plenty of faith in Anderson extending his contract recently, and it will be good to see how he tries to fulfil the role of playmaker.

FAVOURITE: With so many stars rested and the longest away journey for the Storm, they are taking a back seat on this one. The Cowboys have been playing good footy, are confident and are coming off a bye, which swings the pendulum in their favour on paper.

MY TIP: It is an imposing team selection by the Cowboys; they are looking hot and fit; with the finals coming, they will want this win and the next against the Bulldogs to secure a home elimination game. The Storm will be courageous, but I cant see them taking this. Cowboys to ride into the sunset by 6.

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 14. Sam McIntyre 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 10. Jason Taumalolo 15. Harrison Edwards 17. Griffin Neame 18. Jaxon Purdue 20. Tomas Chester

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Marion Seve 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Sualauvi Faalogo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Grant Anderson 8. Lazarus Vaalepu 9. Tyran Wishart 10. Christian Welch 11. Kane Bradley 12. Joe Chan 13. Alec MacDonald 14. Keagan Russell-Smith 15. Tepai Moeroa 16. Ativalu Lisati 17. Tristan Powell 18. Coby Williamson

Referees: Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Drew Oultram, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Video Referees: Adam Gee;