Round 21 sees players from seven NRL clubs turn from mild-mannered footy players into super heroes from the Marvel Universe, with at least three of those clubs hoping that their extra powers will result in a change in form.
Saturday evening in Townsville will see a massive clash when Thor goes head-to-head with Hulk. The Raiders flexed their big green muscles against the Cowboys in Round 15 when they were only beaten by an 80th minute Johnathan Thurston field goal at GIO Stadium. The rematch is set to be huge, with the Raiders eyeing off a top eight spot and the Cowboys gunning for the minor premiership.
North Queensland forward Gavin Cooper will be wearing the Thor jersey for the Cowboys against the Raiders, but says a different Marvel Hero was his favourite when growing up.
"I used to be a climber when I was a kid," Cooper said.
"I used to climb everything, jump from branch to branch, so Spider-Man was definitely the go-to."
The 'Webbed Wonder' will be in action on Sunday in the battle between Iron Man and Spider-Man when St George-Illawarra take on Newcastle at Jubilee Oval. The Dragons are on a seven-game losing streak while the Knights have only won one of their last eight matches. Both teams will need some sort of heroics to secure an elusive victory, the positive being at least one of them will get a win.
Captain America (Roosters), Daredevil (Sea Eagles) and War Machine (Wests Tigers) will also be in action in Round 21.
Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was like a kid in a Super Heroes outfit when he got to model the ISC Marvel Heroes Captain America jersey at the official photo and video shoot.
"It's been fantastic, I've always wanted to be a part of something like this and now the day has come," Waerea-Hargreaves said.
"We train for football, to get out there and do our job in front of so many fans, and I guess this is something different.
"Everyone thinks I love the cameras, so I'm enjoying this day!"
Matches featuring the ISC Marvel Super Heroes Jerseys in Round 21 are:
Friday, 31 July
Roosters v Bulldogs - Allianz Stadium 7.45pm
Wests Tigers v Storm - Leichhardt Oval 7.45pm
Saturday, 1 August
Cowboys v Raiders - 1300 Smiles Stadium 5.30pm
Sea Eagles v Broncos - Central Coast Stadium 7.30pm
Sunday, 2 August
Dragons v Knights - Jubilee Oval 2.00pm
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