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Do not miss another instalment of the greatest rivalry in modern-day rugby league as the Brisbane Broncos host the North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 8:05pm (AEDT).
Fans circled this clash as soon as the 2018 draw was released, in anticipation of the next chapter in the epic history that these two clubs have shared in recent years.
Perhaps the excitement for the local derby is just what Wayne Bennett’s side need to regain their mojo after a humiliating 34-12 defeat to the Dragons last week.
The Broncos were a shadow of the well-drilled team that qualified for the preliminary finals last year, missing 34 tackles and making 13 errors.
The major talking point was the disappointing form of halves pairing Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt. Neither player assumed the role of dominant half to provide direction and control, however the loss was equally attributable to the poor foundation laid by the men up front. An immediate step up is required given the strength and power of North Queensland’s forward pack, which is arguably the best in the league.
Bennett has made one wise change to last week’s 17, with Andrew McCullough promoted to the starting side in place of Sam Thaiday, while interchange forward Jaydn Su’A is set to miss the clash due to a one-week suspension for a shoulder charge on Josh Dugan.
While not at their best, the Cowboys still overcame the absence of regular five-eighth Michael Morgan last Friday to claim a solid 20-14 win over the Sharks. Morgan is again unlikely to take the field on Friday night, while fullback Lachlan Coote’s chances of return are also uncertain.
Coach Paul Green, however, will be confident that their replacements can step up, as former Panther Te Maire Martin demonstrated great vision in last week’s victory, as evidenced by an impressive try assist for Kyle Feldt.
Meanwhile, fill-in fullback Ben Hampton will be aiming for a more settled performance after coming with a round-high four handling errors against Cronulla.
Stopping barnstorming lock Jason Taumalolo will be a certain yet ultimately impossible goal of Brisbane, after the Tongan international produced 184 running metres and five tackle busts in a dominant display last weekend.
Prediction
While the heavily scrutinised Broncos should improve, North Queensland’s pack should lay the platform for a second-straight win.
Cowboys by 14.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting at 8.05pm (AEDT).
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