- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
A fast and fierce battle looms in Saturday night’s NRL clash between the North Queensland Cowboys and the New Zealand Warriors at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
The Cowboys have battled hard in recent weeks, only to go down 32-18 against the all-conquering Bulldogs side in Sydney, backed up with last week’s tough loss at home to defending premiers Manly 8-6.
The score in the Dogs match doesn’t reflect the closeness of that contest and the Cowboys will want to repay the home fans who came so close to witnessing a win last week.
It’s a different story for the outfit from across the ditch.
Riding the pointy end of a four match losing streak and sitting in 13th, the Warriors have turned huge early leads into heartbreaking losses in recent weeks.
Last start, with their season on the line, they were embarrassed at home by a resurgent Sharks side 45-4.
The Warriors have not had much joy at Dairy Farmers over the years, winning 4 from 13 in the tropical north. Can they take some confidence from their club’s slight historical edge over the Cowboys (16-14 overall, including three from the last four)?
It doesn’t appear likely. The Cowboys will be fielding a near full strength line up while for the Warriors, hardworking captain Simon Mannering heads a list of missing forwards. Halfback James Maloney has flown to Townsville with the team, but remains in doubt.
The Warriors must lift and remind the NRL why they were grand finalists in season 2011. Their fans’ pain at such a crushing letdown last week will still be stinging them as they take the field this week.
The Cowboys have it all to play for in this one. Sitting in sixth spot on the ladder, a big win will put pressure on the sides above not to slip up.
As an added incentive, a loss to the Bulldogs by the out-of-form Broncos, coupled with a win here will put them two points clear of their Queensland rivals.
Prediction
Genuinely under the radar in season 2012 and with an eye on a top four spot the Cowboys will be too strong against the downcast Warriors.
With fine weather predicted, expect furious attacking raids and a fast pace. Will the Cowboys continue their dominance over the Warriors at this ground and can they make a statement that 2012 could be their year?
Cowboys by 14.
Join us at 7:30pm AEST tonight for live score updates and debate on our live blog, and don’t hesitate to leave a comment if you’re watching or following along.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.