Cowboys v Titans: Cotter provides big boost; Campbell in the mix
The Cowboys and Titans are both chasing their first win of the season when they face off in a Queensland derby in the final game of Multicultural Round on Sunday evening.
Gold Coast looked destined to defeat the Dolphins last weekend before a late surge consigned Josh Hannay's side to a second-straight loss to start the year.
There were plenty of promising signs, however, and a young backline continues to develop.
The Cowboys also showed glimpses of brilliance in a loss to the Wests Tigers and return home for their first game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium this year following trips to Las Vegas and Leichhardt.
Halfback Tom Dearden is one of the best playmakers in the game and will be looking to dissect the Titans defence with his astute running and kicking games.
Tom Chester and Heilum Luki will also continue to develop after returning from lengthy injury lay offs and should hit the ground running in Townsville.
Matches between the Titans and Cowboys have delivered some tight finishes over the years and another thriller is on the cards on Sunday night.
Match: Cowboys v Titans
Round 3 -
home Team
Cowboys
16th Position
away Team
Titans
17th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Cowboys: Skipper Reuben Cotter returns after missing the trip to Leichhardt last weekend for family reasons. Kai O'Donnell moves back to the bench and Matt Lodge goes to the reserves. Zac Laybutt has served a suspension and is listed in jersey No.18.
Titans: A welcome sight on the six-man interchange list with star playmaker Jayden Campbell closing in on his first game of the season after overcoming a hamstring injury. Campbell's return would pose an interesting dilemma for coach Josh Hannay with Keano Kini locked in at fullback and AJ Brimson and Lachlan Ilias currently in the halves.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott DrinkwaterFullback for Titans is number 1 Keano Kini
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Braidon BurnsWinger for Titans is number 2 Sialetili Faeamani
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Jaxon PurdueCentre for Titans is number 3 Jojo Fifita
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Tom ChesterCentre for Titans is number 4 Max Feagai
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray TaulagiWinger for Titans is number 5 Phillip Sami
-
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Jake CliffordFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 AJ Brimson
-
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Tom DeardenHalfback for Titans is number 7 Lachlan Ilias
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Coen HessProp for Titans is number 8 Moeaki Fotuaika
-
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Titans is number 9 Sam Verrills
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jason TaumaloloProp for Titans is number 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Heilum Luki2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Arama Hau
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Sam McIntyre2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Beau Fermor
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben CotterLock for Titans is number 13 Chris Randall
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Soni LukeInterchange for Titans is number 14 Kurtis Morrin
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Kai O'DonnellInterchange for Titans is number 15 Tukimihia Simpkins
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Griffin NeameInterchange for Titans is number 16 Klese Haas
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Harrison EdwardsInterchange for Titans is number 17 Cooper Bai
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 18 Zac LaybuttInterchange for Titans is number 18 Oliver Pascoe
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 19 Liam SuttonInterchange for Titans is number 19 Jayden Campbell
Reserves
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 20 Kaiden LahrsReserve for Titans is number 20 Jaylan De Groot
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 21 Matthew LodgeReserve for Titans is number 21 Jett Liu
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 22 Ethan KingReserve for Titans is number 22 Josh Patston
Cowboys Ins
- Ethan King
- Reuben Cotter
- Zac Laybutt
Titans Ins
- Jayden Campbell
- Jaylan De Groot
- Jett Liu
- Josh Patston
- Oliver Pascoe
Cowboys Outs
Titans Ins
- Jensen Taumoepeau
- Luke Sommerton
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Cowboys scored 80 points in two wins against the Titans in 2025.
- The Titans have won only once in seven attempts at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
- Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi has scored a try in his last three games against the Titans.
- Titans lock Chris Randall will make his 100th NRL appearance.
- Cowboys centre Jaxon Purdue has scored five tries in his last six NRL appearances.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
