It’s perform or perish in the NRL’s Queensland derby as the battling Brisbane Broncos take on a desperate North Queensland Cowboys outfit in Townsville tonight. Join us from 7.30pm AEST for live scores and updates.
Whilst games between these two teams are always big affairs, tonight’s clash is sure to have some extra spice as the loser may as well start planning for next year.
With just six wins each some would argue that the horse may have already bolted, but where there’s life there’s hope, and both Brisbane and North Queensland fans will be hoping for something special tonight.
Prediction
Both teams are coming off a bye in round 19, and have taken the chance to have a good hard look at themselves in the mirror.
Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin has wielded the axe, with Ben Hunt being elevated from the bench to the halfback role, the Parramatta bound Corey Norman set to play Intrust Super Cup and Alex Glenn moving out to the centres.
Such a radical shake-up this late in the season is a significant gamble for the Broncos, and it will be interesting to see if their new look spine can give them the spark they’ve so sorely lacked.
In the Cowboys camp coach Neil Henry would be relieved to have back his Origin stars, in particular his on-field general Johnathan Thurston who will look to link up with partner in crime Matt Bowen who returns from injury tonight.
These clashes tend to be entertaining, end to end affairs and that’s likely to be the case again tonight.
Whilst the two teams looking just about even the Cowboys in their two wingers in WInterstein and Faifai Loa have a significant edge over their young Bronco opposites, and you can expect the radar like boot of Thurston to use this to his advantage all night.
I’m tipping the Cowboys by four.
george
Guest
what was crowd figure tonight ?
ghaii
Guest
This was a very entertaining match. It showed a lot of class and composition from both teams.
Morfs
Guest
This was far more enjoyable than the tripe served up in the Doggies/Eels match. Alas, Nein decided to grace us Victorian League fans with the NSW game live. I wonder how many tuned out before the QLD derby? Good win for the Broncos, the Cowboys failed to capitalise on their repeat sets in the second half. All up, while I was cheering for North QLD, I don't really mind the result, as the game was exciting, if not of the best quality. Best of luck for the rest of the season, kellett.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Submitted Chardy - Broncos: The dark horse no one saw coming? :P
Cameron
Roar Guru
It was a great match from the boys tonight. I've written a piece that fingers crossed gets published.
Felix
Guest
That was a bloody disgrace! I swear to god I'm the only NQLD cowboys supporter in Australia. Maybe just the only one south of Mackay...and who can type. Whatever, either way, that was horrendous!
Planko
Guest
Kellett i am watching replay and hoffman with good touches already
Chris Chard
Expert
No worries mate, five more wins and the Broncos will be sweet!
Cameron
Roar Guru
Cheers Chardy! I enjoyed your company :P
Cameron
Roar Guru
I thought Prince, Parker and Gillett were great tonight to compliment Hodges, Hunt and Hoffman!
Chris Chard
Expert
Man of the Match is Justin Hodges That's it from me tonight, have a great weekend sports fans!
Cameron
Roar Guru
Yeah it took me back too, but thankfully!
Chris Chard
Expert
Both teams showed touches of brilliance tonight as well as a few clumsy errors For Brisbane the shake up seems to have worked, with Hoffman brave at the back and Hunt scheming in the halves As for the Cowboys, well, they tried hard but probably can look back on a few missed opportunities.
Matt
Guest
Broncos just in front, cowboys scrum. I've seen this before...
Cameron
Roar Guru
It really was a great game!
Cameron
Roar Guru
I can breathe again. Thank God! I can go to bed happy and not have to watch the poor excuse of a League match next on 9.
Chris Chard
Expert
80m Close..but not close enough! Broncos win a great game of footy by just two points in Townsville tonight!
Cameron
Roar Guru
Nooo! Hold on damn it!
Chris Chard
Expert
79m Cowboys make a meal of the set pla but they get a PENALTY! Bri 18 NQ 16
Chris Chard
Expert
79m One min left, a scrum on the NQ 30m line...last shot for the Cowboys tonight Bri 18 NQ 16