Thursday night lights: Cowboys v Roosters
The Cowboys are back at home again in Round 22 and keen to make a statement against one of the competition heavyweights, the Roosters.
Starting the round in eighth place, the Cowboys are well aware they need to keep the wins coming to stave off the fast-finishing Bulldogs.
The Roosters have won four from four at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, so the trek north holds no fears for Trent Robinson's men.
Follow all the action from Round 22 of the NRL Telstra Premiership on NRL.com's live blog.
Cowboys v Roosters at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Match: Cowboys v Roosters
Round 22 -
home Team
Cowboys
8th Position
away Team
Roosters
2nd Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
3rd min: First try of the night already to the Roosters, with some concerning defence from the Cowboys in the middle of the ruck. Skipper James Tedesco runs onto a Victor Radley offload, escaping defenders and going over under the posts. Sam Walker converts and it's a 6-0 lead to the Roosters.
Kick off: Roosters have first use of the ball and have no trouble making metres in their first set.
With the Cowboys not hosting a home game across the two weeks of Indigenous Round, the club have opted to wear their special jersey for their home game tonight.
See more about the jersey and the design below:
Some pre-game entertainment before North Queensland face the Roosters, with the Cowboys and Broncos NRLQ Under 21 sides going head-to-head. The Broncos posted a big 54-4 win, with winger Disharne Tonihi getting a hat-trick.
Match preview
Cowboys v Roosters: Round 22
Late Mail
Cowboys: No late game-day changes. Englishman John Bateman has withdrawn after experiencing tightness in his hamstring during Wednesday's captain's run so Kai O'Donnell comes into the 19. After coming off the bench last week, Tom Mikaele is back in the starting side in place of Griffin Neame (suspended). Soni Luke also moves into the starting side at hooker with Reed Mahoney suffering a Category 1 head knock last week.
Roosters: A game-day swap with Spencer Leniu shifting to the bench, with Salesi Foketi to start. Although listed at prop, coach Trent Robinson told Channel 9 pre-game that he would be in the backrow, with Nat Butcher to start in the front row. Centre Billy Smith has been unable to train due to illness so the versatile Hugo Savala steps up. A shoulder injury to champion winger Daniel Tupou sees Tommy Talau come in for just his third game of the season. The Roosters have won four from four at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
