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
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Cowboys: Just the one change to the 17 that took the field against the Warriors with Liam Sutton added to the six-man bench at the expense of John Bateman. Star prop Jason Taumalolo has been named to start in his 300th NRL match as has Thomas Mikaele after both came off the bench against the Warriors.
Panthers: Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Brian To'o return after being rested in Round 16. Paul Alamoti pushes back to the centres and Luke Garner, Jack Cogger and Liam Henry all slide to the interchange. Centre Casey McLean (quad) and hooker Mitch Kenny (leg) remain sidelined.
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 10 Lindsay Smith
-
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 14 Jack Cogger
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Griffin NeameInterchange for Panthers is number 15 Scott Sorensen
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Matthew LodgeInterchange for Panthers is number 16 Liam Henry
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Coen HessInterchange for Panthers is number 17 Luke Garner
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 18 Liam SuttonInterchange for Panthers is number 18 Billy Phillips
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 19 Sam McIntyreInterchange for Panthers is number 19 Billy Scott
Reserves
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 20 John BatemanReserve for Panthers is number 20 Luron Patea
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 21 Jaxson PauloReserve for Panthers is number 21 Jack Cole
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 22 Ethan KingReserve for Panthers is number 22 Sione Fonua
Cowboys Ins
- Ethan King
- Jaxson Paulo
- Liam Sutton
Panthers Ins
- Brian To'o
- Isaah Yeo
- Nathan Cleary
Cowboys Outs
Panthers Ins
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.
