Broncos v Cowboys preview

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Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys Friday 8:00pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Battered and Bruised Broncos looking to continue momentum against Bucking Cowboys.

Despite missing Reece Walsh and Ben Hunt, the Broncos will be looking to pick up a fourth win in a row as they host a Cowboys side who has seen a dramatic improvement in form over the past fortnight.

The Broncos took on a resilient Titans side in Round 5, only being able to build an 8-6 advantage at half time, but were able to finish the job in the second half thanks to a dominant cameo from five-eighth Ezra Mam, who's try and 2 try assists lifted them to a 26-12 victory.

But it came at a significant cost, with Walsh suffering a fractured cheekbone which will see him sidelined for the next 4-6 weeks, while Hunt played through a knee problem which was later revealed to be a significant MCL injury, which will cost him 6-8 weeks on the sideline. Furthermore, Adam Reynolds injured his groin during the match, and while he has been named to start at halfback in this one, there's no guarantee he will be fit to play.

As a result Michael Maguire has turned to two familiar faces among Broncos fans, with Jesse Arthars, who started on the wing against the Titans, named to replace Walsh at the back, while Blake Mozer has been named to replace Hunt on the bench in what could be his first NRL game since 2024 (he was an unused replacement against Melbourne in Round 3). Former Cowboys half Tom Duffy has also been included on the 6-man bench, and will provide cover for Reynolds if he needs to be withdrawn either before or after kickoff.

The Cowboys meanwhile have put an 0-2 start and a shaky win over the Titans in Round 3 behind them with strong showings in their last two matches. The Townsville club was able to back up their dramatic 28-24 comeback win over Melbourne with a 32-0 drubbing of the Dragons, the first time they have pitched a shutout since 2016.

The Cowboys were forced into one change, with backrower Sam McIntyre sidelined due to injury. He's been replaced in the starting lineup by Kai O'Donnell, with Mason Barber joining the bench.

Last meeting: Round 26 2025 - Cowboys 30 Broncos 38

Who to watch: With no Walsh or Hunt and an incapacitated Reynolds, the Broncos attack is going to need to be run through Ezra Mam. The five-eighth was able to put a slow start to the season behind him to step up in a big way against the Titans, but he will need to keep that performance going for the full 80 minutes against North Queensland. His connection with Gehamat Shibasaki and Josiah Karapani - who have also been criticised this season - will be vital to deciding the match.

The Cowboys are going to need a leader to step up against the ever-consistent Broncos forward pack, and who better to rely on than Jason Taumalolo. The 32 year old has turned back the clock this season, averaging his most metres per game and his highest tackle efficiency rate since 2022. Against a Broncos pack boasting more big men than the San Antonio Spurs, Taumalolo's experience and form will be crucial to avoid the Cowboys being swamped.

Favourite: Despite their injury concerns, the Broncos remain favoured in this one.

MY TIP: Brisbane have won 6 straight XXXX Derby's against their 'little brothers' up north, and Suncorp has not been a happy hunting ground for the Cowboys even when they've had success. I think history repeats itself in this match. Brisbane by 14.

1. Jesse Arthars 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 18. Thomas Duffy 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Blake Mozer 15. Xavier Willison 16. Ben Talty 17. Aublix Tawha 19. Hayze Perham 22. Josh Rogers

1. Scott Drinkwater 18. Zac Laybutt 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kai O'Donnell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Griffin Neame 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Matthew Lodge 20. Harrison Edwards 22. Robert Derby

Referees: Ashley Klein; Sideline Officials: Nick Pelgrave, Tyson Brough; Video Referees: Chris Butler;