Cowboys v Knights: McLean back on deck; Best hamstrung
With attacking players like Val Holmes and Scott Drinkwater squaring off against Kalyn Ponga and try-scorer Fletcher Sharpe, the first ever finals meeting between the Cowboys and Knights promises a feast of attacking football.
SportsBet Betting Preview - Cowboys v Knights
As is traditionally the case in finals the forwards will look to lay the platform early, but once the game opens up, the Townsville crowd are in for a treat.
The Cowboys have won six of their past seven games, averaging 31ppg in the process, while the Knights found their groove in Rounds 25 and 26 against the Rabbitohs and Titans before prevailing in a tighter contest against the Dolphins to secure eighth spot.
In the only meeting between the two sides this season it was the Cowboys sneaking home 21-20 on the back of a Chad Townsend field goal in Round 2.
The man calling the shots for the Cowboys at the back end of the season is Jake Clifford, who has looked in complete control of his game since being called up by coach Todd Payten in Round 24.
Clifford and Tom Dearden are looking more dangerous by the week and will be out to exploit any fatigue in the Knights' defensive line once the big men start to feel the pinch in the Townsville heat.
Match: Cowboys v Knights
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Cowboys
5th Position
away Team
Knights
8th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Team News
Cowboys: Veteran prop Jordan McLean returns after missing the Bulldogs game with a hamstring injury so Sam McIntyre reverts to the bench. Thomas Mikaele is the man to drop off the bench, but will be18th man.
Knights: Bradman Best won't play due a hamstring issue, with Dylan Lucas slotting into the centres. Kai Pearce-Paul rejoins the back row in his return from a leg laceration. Tom Cant is18th man.
Match: Cowboys v Knights
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Cowboys
away Team
Knights
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott DrinkwaterFullback for Knights is number 1 Kalyn Ponga
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle FeldtWinger for Knights is number 2 Fletcher Sharpe
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Valentine HolmesCentre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Viliami VaileaCentre for Knights is number 12 Dylan Lucas
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray TaulagiWinger for Knights is number 5 Greg Marzhew
-
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom DeardenFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Jack Cogger
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Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Jake CliffordHalfback for Knights is number 7 Phoenix Crossland
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLeanProp for Knights is number 8 Daniel Saifiti
-
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece RobsonHooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden Brailey
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jason TaumaloloProp for Knights is number 10 Leo Thompson
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Heilum Luki2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai2nd Row for Knights is number 22 Kai Pearce-Paul
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben CotterLock for Knights is number 13 Adam Elliott
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Sam McIntyreInterchange for Knights is number 14 Tyson Gamble
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Harrison EdwardsInterchange for Knights is number 15 Mat Croker
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Kulikefu FinefeuiakiInterchange for Knights is number 16 Jack Hetherington
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Griffin NeameInterchange for Knights is number 17 Brodie Jones
Reserves
-
Replacement for Cowboys is number 20 Thomas MikaeleReplacement for Knights is number 18 Thomas Cant
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Cowboys have won their past three games against the Knights.
- The Knights have not won in Townsville since 2015.
- The Cowboys have won seven of their eight finals games played in Townsville.
- Knights winger Fletcher Sharp has scored eight tries in his past five games.
- Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has scored 11 tries in his past six games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
