Cowboys v Rabbitohs: Taumalolo returns; Penitani to debut
After claiming an upset win over the Roosters in Magic Round, the Cowboys are back at home and looking to take down another top eight team in the Rabbitohs.
The team from North Queensland dug deep to earn their win, overcoming the loss of a player - twice - to the sin bin, to still defend stoutly despite being down to 12 men for 20 minutes of the match.
Also missing their co-captain Tom Dearden with injury last week, they will be without fellow skipper Reuben Cotter as well this week, away on Origin duty for the Maroons.
The Bunnies, who last week lost in their Round 11 clash against the Dolphins, will also be without their captain Cameron Murray, who will be in camp preparing to represent the New South Wales Blues.
Coach Wayne Bennett lamented his side's inconsistency, saying the team struggled to build on their strong wins to post back-to-back winning performances.
Match: Cowboys v Rabbitohs
Round 12 -
home Team
Cowboys
8th Position
away Team
Rabbitohs
5th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Team News
Cowboys: Jason Taumalolo returns after a Magic Round rest to start at lock with Reuben Cotter in Maroons camp. Taumalolo and Scott Drinkwater are co-captains this week. Robert Derby comes in on the wing for his first NRL game of 2026 in place of Braidon Burns, who is expected to miss 1-2 games with a hamstring injury. Last week's debutants Liam Sutton and Xavier Kerrisk retain their spots. Kai O'Donnell dropped off the interchange in Saturday's 24-hour update with Wiremu Greig added to the six-man bench.
Rabbitohs: Matt Dufty will make his 100th NRL appearance at fullback, with Jye Gray shifting to the interchange.Tryscoring machine Alex Johnston is on track to return from a knee injury but Latrell Mitchell (back) and Campbell Graham (calf are sidelined. Tallis Duncan moves to the centres alongside Latrell Siegwalt while Talanoa Penitani comes in on the wing for his NRL debut. Peter Mamouzelos earns a recall at hooker after two games in NSW Cup. Jamie Humphreys has been named to return from a knee injury on the bench.
Match: Cowboys v Rabbitohs
Round 12 -
home Team
Cowboys
away Team
Rabbitohs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott DrinkwaterFullback for Rabbitohs is number 14 Matthew Dufty
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Robert DerbyWinger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex Johnston
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Jaxon PurdueCentre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Latrell Siegwalt
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Tom ChesterCentre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Tallis Duncan
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Zac LaybuttWinger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Talanoa Penitani
-
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Liam SuttonFive-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody Walker
-
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Jake CliffordHalfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Ashton Ward
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Thomas MikaeleProp for Rabbitohs is number 8 Tevita Tatola
-
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Peter Mamouzelos
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Matthew LodgeProp for Rabbitohs is number 10 Sean Keppie
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Heilum Luki2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Euan Aitken
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Sam McIntyre2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Keaon Koloamatangi
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Jason TaumaloloLock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Adam Elliott
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Griffin NeameInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Lachlan Hubner
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Coen HessInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Jamie Humphreys
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 18 Xavier KerriskInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Liam Le Blanc
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 20 Wiremu GreigInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 18 Thomas Fletcher
Reserves
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 14 Viliami VaileaReserve for Rabbitohs is number 1 Jye Gray
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 19 Ethan KingReserve for Rabbitohs is number 19 Edward Kosi
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Senior Review Official: Adam Gee
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Cowboys have won their last three games against the Rabbitohs.
- The Rabbitohs are undefeated in two games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
- Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater has scored six tries in his last seven games.
- Rabbitoh Matt Dufty will make his 100th NRL appearance.
- Cowboys coach Todd Payten will coach his 150th NRL game.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
