The original Queensland derby is set up perfectly with the Broncos and Cowboys both arriving in Round 6 on the back of three consecutive victories.
Since the Cowboys entered the competition in 1995 these two great rivals have produced a string of epic contests, none bigger or better than the 2015 grand final won by the Cowboys.
It has been relatively slim pickings since then for the men from Townsville with only four finals appearances in the past decade while the Broncos have played finals six times and are the reigning champs after their stunning 2025 triumph.
The absence of Reece Walsh, Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt makes life a whole lot tougher for the Broncos but Michael Maguire will have them ready to fire under the Friday night lights in front of the Suncorp Stadium faithful.
The Cowboys have silenced their critics with wins over the Titans, Storm and Dragons and would love nothing better than to make a statement against 'big brother' in the 65th instalment of this epic rivalry.
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Team News
Broncos: After stepping in with success for the injured Reece Walsh seconds before half-time in the win over the Titans, Jesse Arthars retains his place at fullback in his 100th NRL game. Josiah Karapani comes back in on the wing after being stood down last week for disciplinary reasons. Captain Adam Reynolds has been named despite being unable to finish the Titans game with a groin complaint and will be given every chance to prove his fitness. Former Cowboy Thomas Duffy has been named on the extended bench as standby for Reynolds while Blake Mozer takes the No.14 jersey in the absence of Ben Hunt (knee). Arthars’ Souths Logan team-mate Hayze Perham has been included on the extended bench.
Cowboys: Injury has forced one change to the starting line-up for the Queensland derby with Kai O’Donnell coming into the starting second row for Sam McIntyre who has suffered a torn plantar fascia and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks. Braidon Burns has been named to take his place on the wing despite suffering a minor ankle sprain. He will need to complete captain’s run on Thursday to take his place. Fullback Mason Barber, who scored a try in North Queensland’s opening round NRLQ win over the Dolphins, last week has been added to the six-player bench.
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Stat Attack
- The Broncos have won their last six games against the Cowboys.
- The Cowboys have conceded 99 points in their last three games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Broncos fullback Jesse Arthars will make his 100th NRL appearance.
- Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater will play his 150th NRL game.
- Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has scored 11 tries in his last 12 games against the Cowboys.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.