Cowboys v Broncos: Dearden ruled out; Billy's back
More than a decade has passed since the Cowboys and Broncos played out one of the great grand finals of the NRL era but the rivalry burns as strong as ever.
Back in 2015 it was the Cowboys who got the spoils in the decider but that remains their only premiership while the Broncos claimed their seventh premiership in 2025.
The Broncos' premiership defence has been a rough ride but last week's win over ladder leaders kept the finals dream alive and will have given Michael Maguire's men a huge shot of confidence.
The Cowboys remain in eighth spot despite a disappointing loss to the Dolphins and they will relish being back on home soil for the first time since they celebrated Jason Taumalolo's 300th NRL game with a stunning win over Penrith.
Match: Cowboys v Broncos
Round 21 -
home Team
Cowboys
6th Position
away Team
Broncos
15th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Team News
Cowboys: Griffin Neame comes into the starting side with Tom Mikaele reverting back to the bench in a late switch. Star playmaker Tom Dearden was ruled out due to an ankle injury on Friday. Jaxon Purdue shifts back into the halves to partner Jake Clifford at five-eighth. Zac Laybutt comes from the bench to play in the centres, with Sam McIntyre coming up from the reserves.
Broncos: The Broncos are 1-19 with no late changes. Hooker Billy Walters is primed for his first NRL game since suffering an ACL injury against the Raiders in last year's finals series. Walters has played three Queensland Cup games with Souths Logan to build his fitness. Xavier Willison moves from prop to second row to cover for Brendan Piakura (concussion). Preston Riki returns to the starting front row after coming off the bench last week.
Match: Cowboys v Broncos
Round 21 -
home Team
Cowboys
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott DrinkwaterFullback for Broncos is number 1 Reece Walsh
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Braidon BurnsWinger for Broncos is number 2 Josiah Karapani
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Tom ChesterCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 18 Zac LaybuttCentre for Broncos is number 4 Gehamat Shibasaki
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray TaulagiWinger for Broncos is number 5 Deine Mariner
-
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Jake CliffordFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
-
Halfback for Cowboys is number 3 Jaxon PurdueHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jason TaumaloloProp for Broncos is number 8 Preston Riki
-
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reed MahoneyHooker for Broncos is number 9 Cory Paix
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 15 Griffin NeameProp for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Heilum Luki2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Xavier Willison
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben CotterLock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 8 Thomas MikaeleInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Ben Hunt
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Soni LukeInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Ben Talty
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Matthew LodgeInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Va'a Semu
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Coen HessInterchange for Broncos is number 18 Billy Walters
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 19 Ethan KingReserve for Broncos is number 17 Grant Anderson
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 20 Sam McIntyreReserve for Broncos is number 19 Luke Gale
Match Officials
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Cowboys have won only one of their last seven games against the Broncos.
- The Broncos have won their last three games at QCB Stadium.
- Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi has scored eight tries in five games at QCB Stadium this season.
- Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has scored six tries in his last six games against the Cowboys.
- Cowboys second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has scored six tries in seven games against the Broncos.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
