Cowboys v Wests Tigers: Hifo makes her debut; Talataina in for Lutu
Both teams enter Round 2 with plenty to prove, but for different reasons.
North Queensland suffered the heaviest defeat of Round 1, going down 50-4 to Brisbane after struggling to contain the Broncos' attacking finesse.
Wests Tigers, on the other hand, produced one of the most impressive wins of the weekend, beating Parramatta 28-16. Their attack was firing and they showed resilience as Parramatta continued to challenge and didn’t take their foot of the pedal.
North Queensland will expect a much-improved defensive effort playing at home. Their forward pack was constantly under pressure against Brisbane and must win the middle third if they are to compete with the Tigers.
The Tigers, under new coach Craig Sandercock and with 14 new players in the squad for 2026, will take confidence from their ability to score points in Round 1. Their spine controlled the game well and they will view this as an opportunity to start the season 2-0.
The Cowboys should respond strongly in front of their home crowd in Townsville, determined to flip the narrative from Round 1.
Match: Cowboys v Wests Tigers
Round 2 -
home Team
Cowboys
12th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
4th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Team News
Cowboys: Margot Vella has been moved from wing to fullback on game day with Tallara Bamblett going to the bench. Francesca Goldthorp moves to the wing, Abigail Roach into the centres and Lydia Turua-Quedley comes off the bench to play five-eighth. Prop Essay Banu goes to the bench and Tayla Curtis starts the game. Dual international Haylee Hifo makes her NRLW debut on the wing in place of Sian Williams, who has entered the NRL’s concussion protocol. Hifo, 23, has represented Tonga in rugby league and rugby union.
Wests Tigers: No further changes on game day after Faythe Manera came into starting line-up at five-eighth in No.16 on Friday to replace Losana Lutu (shoulder). Brooke Talataina and Harmony Crichton joined the interchange bench. Star recruit Raecene McGregor will play her 50th career game as the Tigers chase back-to-back wins for the first time since Round 8-9 in 2024.
Match: Cowboys v Wests Tigers
Round 2 -
home Team
Cowboys
away Team
Wests Tigers
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 2 Margot VellaFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Caitlin Turnbull
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 3 Francesca GoldthorpWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Emily Bass
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Jasmine PetersCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Namoe Gesa
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 6 Abigail RoacheCentre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Shenai Lendill
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Haylee HifoWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Lily Rogan
-
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 14 Lydia Turua-QuedleyFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 16 Faythe Manera
-
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Rosie KellyHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Raecene McGregor
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Makenzie WealeProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 Sarah Togatuki
-
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Emma ManzelmannHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Salma Nour
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 15 Tayla CurtisProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 Shaniece Monschau
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Tallisha Harden2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Kezie Apps
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Shaylee Bent
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Bree ChesterLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Holli Wheeler
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 1 Tallara BamblettInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Christian Pio
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 8 Essay BanuInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Tara Reinke
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Emily VeiversInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 18 Brooke Talataina
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Lily DickInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 19 Harmony Crichton
Reserves
-
Replacement for Cowboys is number 22 Ebony Raftstrand-SmithReplacement for Wests Tigers is number 17 Portia Bourke
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Peter Gough
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Cowboys have won all three games against Wests Tigers.
- Wests Tigers are chasing back-to-back wins for the first time since Rounds 8-9 in 2024.
- Cowboys centre Jasmine Peters has scored a try in all three games against the Tigers.
- Wests Tigers halfback Raecene McGregor will play her 50th NRLW game.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
The North Queensland NRLW side is back home for the first time this year. Kids tickets are available from just $5. Click here to secure your seats today.
