NRL 2026, Cowboys , Raiders, Round 26, match preview, team lists, injuries, updates

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 5 Sep 2026, 04:04 PM

Although a finals berth has been secured, the Cowboys will be eyeing plenty of improvement when they take on the Raiders in their final game.

Last week, North Queensland did just enough at home to down Wests Tigers, with Canberra no doubt keen to end their season on a high with an upset win to close out their disappointing season.

Cowboys skipper and halfback Tom Dearden marked a successful return from injury in the win and will been keen to build on that performance, with coach Todd Payten looking for improvements across the board.

For Canberra, the side will be looking to farewell some of their stalwarts with a strong performance, with spiritual leader Josh Papalii retiring at the end of the season, while others like Morgan Smithies (Perth Bears) are heading to other clubs.

Round 27 - Round 27 - Saturday 5 Sep

Full Time

Cowboys

Raiders

Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Highlights Latest

Team News

Cowboys: The Cowboys will run out 1-19 as named on Tuesday. Earlier in the week, coach Todd Payten revealed that prop Griffin Neame has been playing with turf toe since Round 2 and that's affecting other parts of his body, so the call was made to give him a rest. Jeremiah Nanai has tweaked his medial ligament and will also take a break, but Payten said his star back-rower should be fine for next week. Robert Derby's experience got him the nod over Ronald Philitoga in the battle for the wing spot vacated by Zac Laybutt (concussion).

Raiders: Two-time Maroons Under 19s halfback Coby Black has been confirmed to make his first NRL start, with hooker Malachi Smith hoping to the same off the bench as the Raiders go into their clash 1-19 as named on Tuesday. Back-rower Noah Martin returns from a quad injury and fills the void left by Zac Hosking (hamstring). Prop Corey Horsburgh is done for the year after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Round 27 - Round 27 - Saturday 5 Sep

Full Time

Cowboys

Raiders

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Kaeo Weekes
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Braidon Burns

Winger for Raiders is number 2 Jed Stuart
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Jaxon Purdue

Centre for Raiders is number 3 Simi Sasagi
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Tom Chester

Centre for Raiders is number 4 Matthew Timoko
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Robert Derby

Winger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier Savage
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Jake Clifford

Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Strange
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Tom Dearden

Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Coby Black

Forwards

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Coen Hess

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papalii
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reed Mahoney

Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Owen Pattie
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jason Taumalolo

Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Heilum Luki

2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Noah Martin
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 John Bateman

2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Matty Nicholson
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben Cotter

Lock for Raiders is number 13 Ata Mariota

Interchange

Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Soni Luke

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Malachi Smith
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Sam McIntyre

Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Joe Roddy
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Thomas Mikaele

Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Morgan Smithies
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Kaiden Lahrs

Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Vena Patuki-Case
Reserve for Cowboys is number 18 Kai O'Donnell

Reserve for Raiders is number 18 Tom Starling
Reserve for Cowboys is number 19 Ethan King

Reserve for Raiders is number 19 Daine Laurie