Broncos v Cowboys: Southwell's club debut; Bamblett's fullback chance
The Queensland derby between the Broncos and Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium is one of the prime clashes of Round 1, with the Broncos entering the game as defending premiers.
Brisbane’s major storyline is the arrival of Jillaroos halfback Jesse Southwell, who will partner Ali Brigginshaw in an elite playmaking combination.
Test front-rower Shannon Mato also lands at Red Hill to bolster the pack as the Bronco chase back-to-back titles.
The Cowboys will need to absorb pressure and limit Brisbane’s ability to play fast through the middle with a disciplined, low-error game.
The signing of Ashley Marsters, the most capped Wallaroos player in history, adds to the Cowboys' impressive roster and ability to rustle the feathers of defending premiers.
Suncorp Stadium gives the Broncos a powerful stage to begin their premiership defence but derby football always has a way of narrowing the gap between teams.
Match: Broncos v Cowboys
Round 1 -
home Team
Broncos
1st Position
away Team
Cowboys
12th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Team News
Broncos: Jesse Southwell makes her first appearance as a Bronco at halfback, with Ali Brigginshaw lining up at five-eighth. Tamika Upton will captain the side from fullback, while Julia Robinson is set to start the season at centre after starring in the role last year. Jillaroos prop Shannon Mato comes from the interchange in her return to Brisbane after five years with the Titans.
Cowboys: Tallara Bamblett gets first shot at the fullback role with Jakiya Whitfeld unavailable this season after announcing her pregnancy. Recruit Margot Vella will make her club debut on the wing, while Abigail Roache and Rosie Kelly will start in the halves. "Rosie has really led the way from a physical point of view and conditioning so looking forward to her and Abi putting their hand up and steering us around the park," said coach Ricky Henry. PNG international Emily Veivers has been named to make her NRLW debut off the interchange after joining the Cowboys from Wigan.
Match: Broncos v Cowboys
Round 1 -
home Team
Broncos
away Team
Cowboys
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Tamika UptonFullback for Cowboys is number 1 Tallara Bamblett
-
Winger for Broncos is number 2 Kerri JohnsonWinger for Cowboys is number 2 Margot Vella
-
Centre for Broncos is number 3 Georgia BartlettCentre for Cowboys is number 3 Francesca Goldthorp
-
Centre for Broncos is number 4 Julia RobinsonCentre for Cowboys is number 4 Jasmine Peters
-
Winger for Broncos is number 5 Caitlin UrwinWinger for Cowboys is number 5 Sian Williams
-
Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ali BrigginshawFive-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Abigail Roache
-
Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Jesse SouthwellHalfback for Cowboys is number 7 Rosie Kelly
Forwards
-
Prop for Broncos is number 8 Lillian YarrowProp for Cowboys is number 8 Essay Banu
-
Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Jada FergusonHooker for Cowboys is number 9 Emma Manzelmann
-
Prop for Broncos is number 10 Brianna ClarkProp for Cowboys is number 10 Makenzie Weale
-
2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Lauren Dam2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Tallisha Harden
-
2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Romy Teitzel2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell
-
Lock for Broncos is number 13 Bree SpreadboroughLock for Cowboys is number 13 Bree Chester
Interchange
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Rhemy HinckesmanInterchange for Cowboys is number 14 Lydia Turua-Quedley
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Chelsea LenarduzziInterchange for Cowboys is number 15 Tayla Curtis
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Shannon MatoInterchange for Cowboys is number 16 Emily Veivers
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Harlem WalkerInterchange for Cowboys is number 17 Tafao Asaua
Reserves
-
Replacement for Broncos is number 18 Deleni PaitaiReplacement for Cowboys is number 18 Lily Dick
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Broncos have scored 128 points in three successive wins over the Cowboys.
- The Cowboys will play at Suncorp Stadium for the first time.
- The Broncos have won only one of their last four Round 1 games.
- Cowboys winger Fran Goldthorp scored five tries in her last seven games in 2025.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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