You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content

The Cowboys will be hoping a return to their home patch in Townsville can bring about a change of fortune as they seek to climb out of the cellar and into finals contention.

Four of North Queensland's five wins in 2023 have come at Queensland Country Bank Stadium and they'll need every ounce of energy the Cowboys faithful can muster as they embark on a three-week stretch that includes games against the Storm, Panthers and Rabbitohs.

Despite sitting 16th with a 5-8 record, the Cowboys are just four points outside the top eight, and if they can rediscover anything like their 2022 form in the second half of the season, they are capable of making a late run for September.

The Storm have won three of their past four matches and banked four points from two byes to share the top rung on the ladder on 18 competition points with the Panthers, Sharks and Broncos.

Of those four sides, the Storm have by far the worst points differential and they'll need their much-vaunted attack to hit top gear if they are to keep pace with the leading pack.

Plenty of water has gone under the bridge since these sides clashed in the 2017 grand final, but the presence of so many Maroons Origin stars and internationals should ensure a cracking contest.

Team News 

Cowboys: In a late change, winger Murray Taulagi will back up from Origin duty and start the game wearing jumper 24, with Kyle Feldt dropping out to be the 18th player. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki who was originally named in 18 drops out. Earlier in the week, coach Todd Payten has confirmed Maroons Origin duo Valentine Holmes (No.22) and Reuben Cotter (No.23) would back up. Jason Taumalolo (knee) dropped out of the squad on Saturday so Jake Granville retains his spot at lock. Tom Dearden wasn't required as 18th Man for the Maroons and will be right to play.

Storm: There has been one change to the same 17 Craig Bellamy named earlier this week that downed the Dolphins in Round 12 with Nelson Asofa-Solomona dropping to the bench and Tui Kamikamica named to start. Origin stars Cameron Munster and Harry Grant set to back up, while back-rower Eliesa Katoa will play despite hurting his shoulder against the Dolphins. Tyran Wishart the 18th Man.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater
    Fullback for Storm is number 1 Nick Meaney
  • Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Semi Valemei
    Winger for Storm is number 2 Will Warbrick
  • Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Peta Hiku
    Centre for Storm is number 3 Reimis Smith
  • Centre for Cowboys is number 22 Valentine Holmes
    Centre for Storm is number 4 Justin Olam
  • Winger for Cowboys is number 24 Murray Taulagi
    Winger for Storm is number 5 Xavier Coates
  • Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom Dearden
    Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster
  • Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad Townsend
    Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome Hughes

Forwards

  • Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLean
    Prop for Storm is number 10 Christian Welch
  • Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson
    Hooker for Storm is number 9 Harry Grant
  • Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Coen Hess
    Prop for Storm is number 16 Tui Kamikamica
  • 2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Luciano Leilua
    2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Trent Loiero
  • 2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Heilum Luki
    2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa
  • Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Jake Granville
    Lock for Storm is number 13 Josh King

Interchange

  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Jeremiah Nanai
    Interchange for Storm is number 8 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
    Interchange for Storm is number 14 Bronson Garlick
  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Griffin Neame
    Interchange for Storm is number 15 Aaron Pene
  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 23 Reuben Cotter
    Interchange for Storm is number 17 Grant Anderson

Reserves

  • Replacement for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle Feldt
    Replacement for Storm is number 18 Tyran Wishart

Match Officials

  • Referee: Peter Gough
  • Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
  • Senior Review Official: Adam Gee

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • Cowboys hooker Reece Robson leads the NRL in dummy half runs in 2023 with 75 and the Storm's Harry Grant is second with 72.
  • The Cowboys have missed more tackles than any other team this season with 489. The Storm have missed 363 tackles.
  • The Cowboys have won five from seven at Queensland Country Bank Stadium this season.
  • The Storm have won 12 of their past 13 games against the Cowboys.
  • The Cowboys have conceded 162 points in their past five games.
  • Storm winger Will Warbrick has scored six tries in his past eight games.
  • Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has scored five tries in his past three game

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

Premier Partner

Media Partners

Major Partners

View All Partners