Cowboys v Panthers: Taumalolo hits 300; Origin stars return
The Cowboys are determined to celebrate Jason Taumalolo's 300th NRL game in style when they host the Panthers on Saturday night.
Already the most capped player in North Queensland history, the veteran will become the first Cowboy to achieve the 300-match milestone when he runs out for the clash.
Taumalolo will look to put his side on the front foot as they host the competition leaders in a big test of the Cowboys' premiership aspirations.
Todd Payten's men have been hot and cold in recent weeks and they suffered a disappointing loss to the Warriors last Sunday.
A date with Penrith marks a new test, with Ivan Cleary's men desperate to bounce back from a shock loss to the Titans in Round 16.
The battle between fullbacks Scott Drinkwater and Dylan Edwards will be fascinating, while Jaxon Purdue and Blaize Talagi are two of the most exciting young playmakers in the game.
Match: Cowboys v Panthers
Round 17 -
home Team
Cowboys
9th Position
away Team
Panthers
1st Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Team News
Cowboys: No late changes on game day. Jason Taumalolo is set to start at prop for his 300th game in the NRL after coming off the bench last week. Young playmaker Liam Sutton could add to his four NRL appearances after coming on to the six-man bench. Halfback Tom Dearden remains at least another week away from returning from an ankle injury suffered in Round 10. John Bateman has been added to the six-man bench.
Panthers: Liam Henry has been promoted to the starting side and Lindsay Smith goes to the bench in a late switch. Origin guns Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Brian To'o will all return as Penrith look to rebound from a tight loss to the Titans. Paul Alamoti will shift to centre to accommodate To'o's return while Luke Garner, Liam Henry and Jack Cogger will all move to the interchange.
Match: Cowboys v Panthers
Round 17 -
home Team
Cowboys
away Team
Panthers
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott DrinkwaterFullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan Edwards
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Braidon BurnsWinger for Panthers is number 2 Thomas Jenkins
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Zac LaybuttCentre for Panthers is number 3 Paul Alamoti
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Tom ChesterCentre for Panthers is number 4 Izack Tago
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray TaulagiWinger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'o
-
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Jaxon PurdueFive-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Blaize Talagi
-
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Jake CliffordHalfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan Cleary
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Thomas MikaeleProp for Panthers is number 8 Moses Leota
-
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Panthers is number 9 Freddy Lussick
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jason TaumaloloProp for Panthers is number 16 Liam Henry
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Heilum Luki2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben CotterLock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah Yeo
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Soni LukeInterchange for Panthers is number 10 Lindsay Smith
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Griffin NeameInterchange for Panthers is number 14 Jack Cogger
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Coen HessInterchange for Panthers is number 15 Scott Sorensen
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 20 John BatemanInterchange for Panthers is number 17 Luke Garner
Reserves
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 16 Matthew LodgeReserve for Panthers is number 18 Billy Phillips
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 19 Sam McIntyreReserve for Panthers is number 19 Billy Scott
Match Officials
- Referee: Wyatt Raymond
- Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Cowboys have the best winning record against the Panthers of any team over the past five seasons.
- The Panthers have conceded only 43 points in their last four games.
- Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi has scored seven tries in his last four games at QCB Stadium.
- Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored seven tries in seven games against the Cowboys.
- Cowboys prop Jason Taumalolo will play his 300th NRL game.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
