NRL 2023, Wests Tigers, North Queensland Cowboys, round 12 preview, official team lists, injuries, updates

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 20 May 2023, 04:32 PM

Wests Tigers welcome North Queensland to Leichhardt Oval in Round 12 with Tim Sheens' side eager to get back into the winners' circle after being shut out against the Rabbitohs last week.

Heading into last week's game off the back of consecutive wins, Wests Tigers produced another determined effort against the competition heavyweights to hold South Sydney to just one try through 70 minutes before letting it slip late on, with the 20-0 scoreline in the end perhaps not painting a full picture of the contest.

It did, however, highlight the continued struggles in attack for Wests Tigers, who have now scored just 136 points through 11 rounds and remain bottom of the Telstra Premiership ladder as a result of their shut-out last Saturday.

Halfback Luke Brooks will be hoping his milestone game can spark the home side into form, with the Balmain junior celebrating his 200th NRL game.

There were no such struggles in attack for North Queensland in their clash against the Dragons in Townsville, piling on the points to run out 42-22 victors. Having spoiled Ben Hunt's 300-game milestone in last weekend, Todd Payten's side will also be hoping they can do the same again to Brooks this time around.

After a slow start to the year, the Cowboys head into Round 12 looking to record three wins in a row for the first time all season, courtesy of halves Tom Dearden and Chad Townsend starting to find their groove once again.

With edge back-rower Luciano Leilua returning to the side alongside Heilum Luki who has re-emerged as dangerous a threat on the edge, coach Todd Payten is confident his side can make it three on the trot at Leichhardt.

“He’s (Luciano) has got himself in terrific condition, he’s had a six-month pre-season and if I look at him, this is the best nick I’ve seen him in," Payten told the media on Friday.

"It’s going to take him a couple of weeks to find his rhythm in terms of his match fitness but what he offers us is power, size and skill out on the edge. Couple that with Heilum on the other and you’ve got a real threat there."

The Cowboys will fancy their chances at overcoming a Leichhardt Oval hoodoo which has seen them record just one win from their last nine attempts – a thrilling 34-30 victory from their most recent encounter in 2021.

Sportsbet Betting Preview - Wests Tigers v Cowboys

Team News

Wests Tigers: Joe Ofahengaue will start at lock in what could be his last game for the club after a late switch with Fonua Pole, who shifts to the interchange. Ofahengaue has been linked with a mid-season move to Parramatta. There are no other changes for the Tigers. Brent Naden has one more game to serve on a suspension so Tommy Talau retains his spot in the centres. Daine Laurie, Justin Matamua and Aitasi James were the players to drop out when the squad was trimmed to 19 on Friday.

Cowboys: Luciano Leilua has been rushed into the starting side for his first match of the season after the no-fault stand down condition was removed on Thursday. Leilua replaces Jack Gosiewski in the second-row. The Cowboys have just one other change to last weekend's game, with Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (head knock) replaced on the bench by Riley Price. Jason Taumalolo (knee) is expected to be back on deck next week.

Round 12 - Round 12 - Saturday 20 May

Full Time

Wests Tigers

Cowboys

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula

Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 David Nofoaluma

Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle Feldt
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Starford To'a

Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Valentine Holmes
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Tommy Talau

Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Peta Hiku
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Junior Tupou

Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray Taulagi
Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Brandon Wakeham

Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom Dearden
Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Luke Brooks

Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad Townsend

Forwards

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLean
Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Apisai Koroisau

Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson
Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 David Klemmer

Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Coen Hess
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Heilum Luki
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 John Bateman

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 23 Luciano Leilua
Lock for Wests Tigers is number 15 Joe Ofahengaue

Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben Cotter

Interchange

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 13 Fonua Pole

Interchange for Cowboys is number 12 Jack Gosiewski
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Jake Simpkin

Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jake Granville
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Alex Twal

Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Mitchell Dunn
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Asu Kepaoa

Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Reserves

Replacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Alex Seyfarth

Replacement for Cowboys is number 18 Zac Laybutt

Match Officials

Referee: Ben Cummins
Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
Touch Judge: Nick Beashel
Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger

Last updated: 12/8/2023 1:10:48 AM

Stat Attack

Luke Brooks celebrates his 200th NRL game for Wests Tigers, one of just five players to reach the milestone in club history.
Only Reed Mahoney has kicked more 40/20's this season than Brooks (3).
Apisai Koroisau is missing five tackles per game in 2023, the most of any player.
The Cowboys have made more dummy half runs than any team this year with 161. Wests Tigers currently rank fifth with 108.
Wests Tigers have won only two of their past nine games at Leichhardt Oval.
David Nofoaluma has scored seven tries in his past nine games at Leichhardt Oval.
Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has scored six tries in his past six games.