North Queensland Cowboys
14
Match Complete
Brisbane Broncos
30
| 80 |  | K. Staggs | ||
| 78 |  | S. Cobbo | ||
| H. Luki | | 74 | ||
| 72 | | R. Walsh | ||
| K. Feldt | | 58 | ||
| 54 | | K. Staggs | ||
| 52 | | E. Mam | ||
| 47 |  | K. Staggs | ||
| C. Townsend | | 39 | ||
| 25 | | K. Staggs | ||
| 23 | | P. Carrigan | ||
| K. Feldt | | 12 | ||
| 7 | | K. Staggs | ||
| 6 | | J. Arthars |
| 3 | Tries | 5 | ||
| 0 | Conversions | 4 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Round 23 of the NRL premiership continues this afternoon when the North Queensland Cowboys take on the Brisbane Broncos at QCB Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3pm (AEST).
We’ve got a high stakes all Queensland clash this afternoon between two sides that seem destined for finals. The Broncos will be looking to consolidate their spot in the top 2 whilst the Cowboys will be seeking to bounce back after last week.
The Cowboys had won 6 in a row before their shock 22-13 loss to the Titans last week. In the end, it came down to desire and Gold Coast were more determined.
The Titans did have some success against the Cowboys right edge defence however and other teams will have taken note. That may be their only weakness however, with a strong pack and an in-form fullback in Scott Drinkwater.
Val Holmes will miss four matches after a bit of a brain explosion last weekend, and his centre spot is probably taken by Zac Laybutt. Griffin Neame and Heilum Luki both return to the 17.
The Broncos dismantled the Roosters 32-10 last round. The Roosters weren’t that bad, as shown by the win against the Sea Eagles on Thursday night. The Broncos were just stronger across the park, and are one of the few sides capable of winning the premiership.
The Broncos base their game on strong go forward, particularly Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan, the organisational skills of Adam Reynolds and an exciting backline.
In a big loss, Reynolds is being rested due to groin tightness and has been replaced by Jock Madden. Kobe Hetherington has a back injury and Xavier Willison takes his spot. Brendan Piakura and Jesse Arthars are set to return whilst Jordan Riki is named in the reserves and may make his return.
Prediction
The omission of Adam Reynolds is telling, with Kevin Walters not willing to risk his halfback. The Cowboys need to win to maintain their place in the 8. I’m going to take last week as an aberration and am tipping the home side to get a victory. Cowboys by 4
Game information
Venue: QCB Stadium
Kick-off: 3pm (AEST)
TV: Fox Sports
Streaming: Kayo Sports
Odds: Cowboys $2, Broncos $1.80 – odds via PlayUp
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemei 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 19. Kyle Feldt 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Coen Hess 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Heilum Luki 17. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 18. Sam McIntyre 20. Riley Price 21. Brendan Elliot 22. Jack Gosiewski
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 21. Jock Madden 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Brendan Piakura 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Corey Jensen 19. Xavier Willison 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Keenan Palasia 18. Deine Mariner 20. Jordan Riki 22. Tristan Sailor
Ghosthound
Roar Rookie
I think it’s Parker trying too hard to sound impartial when calling Broncos games rather than him being truly anti-Broncos. But I see where it might grate on Broncos supporters.
R N
Roar Rookie
I just think they over correct.... and to tell you the truth probably better the the alternative.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Cowboys tried but they looked a rung below the Broncos who in truth could have scored 40 or more. The Broncos missed Reynolds at times but the Cowboys never really threatened to take the lead. I gave the Cowboys a real chance to win with the Broncos missing their leader and organizer at 7 but they often looked tired and short of ideas in attack. The Broncos should take a lot of confidence out of that win if they needed it. They are looking the only real threat to the Panthers for the title. The Cowboys need to find another goalkicker with Val Holmes missing for another 3 weeks. 1/4 for Townsend just isn't good enough.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Anti QLD… all year. Plays the Cowboys… “Anti-Broncos” Broncos player says ref made right call… “something is wrong with him since he left the broncos”
Muzz Manyana
Roar Rookie
Great game. Walsh has to be worth 12 points a game.
Brendon Waldron
Roar Pro
This one's legit, Parker has been like this ever since he was moved on...
Brendon Waldron
Roar Pro
Really glad the Broncos won, had to listen via the Cowboys Call Team on Triple M, what a nightmare that was...
The Barry
Roar Guru
This conspiracy is widespread Even Broncos are anti Broncos… :shocked: :laughing: :laughing:
Luke S
Roar Rookie
Hey! The tin foil lets me get Kayo for free. Who's the crazy one now, eh???
Nat
Roar Guru
Good game Jimmmy and all ticker by the NQ boys.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Help and accoutrements are available: https://www.demak.com.au/shop/homewares/aluminium-tin-foil-hat/
Luke S
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the call :happy:
Luke S
Roar Rookie
I don't know why Corey Parker, a one-club Broncos player and Hook, a former Broncos coach were barracking against the Broncos all game until it was obvious they won?!
The Barry
Roar Guru
PS - another great game this weekend Who said this comp was meh…?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Cowboys refused to die, but if Brisbane had executed their finishing a bit better I think they would have won by plenty Score probably a fair reflection
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Thanks David greatcall , great game.
80
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks very much for joining the blog today. Enjoy the rest of your weekend
78
Phil
Roar Rookie
Better side won but NQ can take heart from their performance. They never gave up. Brisbane simply too good.