NRLW 2026, North Queensland Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans, Round 4, match preview, team lists, injuries, updates

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 25 Jul 2026, 03:57 PM

A Queensland derby always carries extra significance, and this year's Round 4 clash arrives with both clubs experiencing very different emotions.

North Queensland were beaten 42-4 by the Warriors in Auckland in Round 3, while the Titans recorded the biggest win in club history with a dominant 50-12 win over Parramatta.

The Cowboys return home knowing a response is required. Improving their completion rate and defensive resilience will be priorities to put on a show for their home crowd.

Gold Coast have quickly emerged as one of the competition's form teams. Their attack was devastating against Parramatta, producing points from all areas of the field and showcasing the confidence flowing through the squad. The Titans will be aiming to carry that momentum north.

The key duel may centre around field position and possession. The Titans have shown they can punish teams that give them repeated opportunities, while the Cowboys will need to control territory and limit Gold Coast's access to quality attacking ball.

Round 4 - Round 4 - Saturday 25 Jul

Full Time

Cowboys

Titans

Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Highlights Latest

Team News

Cowboys: No changes to the 1-17 in the final update, with Lyrech Mara the 18th player. Kiwi Ferns star Abigail Roache was originally named in the reserves as she pushes to return from a knee injury, but will need to wait at least another week. Tiana Raftstrand-Smith, who is out to return from a hamstring injury that has kept her sidelined for the first month of the season, will also wait at least another week. Winger Charlize Lloyd-Phillips is set for her NRLW debut, with Fran Goldthorpe shifting into the centres as a result.

Titans: Gold Coast will line up 1-17, with Enah Desic the 18th player after coach Karyn Murphy confirmed her side 90 minutes before kick-off. The loss of Georgia Grey to a finger fracture has forced the Titans into a backline reshuffle. Phoenix-Raine Hippi will move to the wing, with Sarina Masaga coming from the bench to start in the centres and Eta Sikahele added to the bench for her NRLW debut.

Round 4 - Round 4 - Saturday 25 Jul

Full Time

Cowboys

Titans

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Margot Vella

Fullback for Titans is number 1 Lily Patston
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Charlize Lloyd-Phillips

Winger for Titans is number 2 Phoenix-Raine Hippi
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Francesca Goldthorp

Centre for Titans is number 3 Jaime Chapman
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Jasmine Peters

Centre for Titans is number 4 Sarina Masaga
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Sian Williams

Winger for Titans is number 5 Indie Bostock
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tallara Bamblett

Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Teagan Levi
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Rosie Kelly

Halfback for Titans is number 7 Lauren Brown

Forwards

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Essay Banu

Prop for Titans is number 8 Laikha Clarke
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Emma Manzelmann

Hooker for Titans is number 9 Georgia Hale
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Makenzie Weale

Prop for Titans is number 10 Fanua Rimoni
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Tallisha Harden

2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Evania Isa'ako
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell

2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Ivana Lolesio
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Bree Chester

Lock for Titans is number 13 Sienna Lofipo

Interchange

Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Alisha Foord

Interchange for Titans is number 14 Lily Kolc
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Tayla Curtis

Interchange for Titans is number 15 Eta Sikahele
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Ashley Marsters

Interchange for Titans is number 16 Natasha Penitani
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Lily Dick

Interchange for Titans is number 17 Takoda Thompson

Reserves

Replacement for Cowboys is number 20 Lyrech Mara

Replacement for Titans is number 18 Enah Desic

Match Officials

Referee: Peter Gough
Senior Review Official: Todd Smith

Last updated: 7/25/2026 11:44:10 AM

Stat Attack

The Cowboys have won their last two games against the Titans
The Titans are 0-2 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Cowboys fullback Margot Vella has scored four tries in three games at QCB Stadium
The Titans have scored 86 points in their last two games

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.