One of the NRL's great modern rivalries rolls around with both teams sitting outside the top eight but having shown some much improved form of late after horror starts to 2021.
The Broncos produced the greatest points comeback in club history to overturn an early 22-0 deficit against the Titans last week - their first win against any club other than Canterbury since round two last year.
The Cowboys staged another second-half fightback in round eight but unlike their win over the Raiders a week earlier, fell short against the Warriors on the Central Coast.
But with skipper Jason Taumalolo finally back and with three wins in their past four, will provide a stern test on their home patch.
Match: Cowboys v Broncos
Round 9 -
home Team
Cowboys
11th Position
away Team
Broncos
14th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
The rundown
Team news
Cowboys: In his return game from suspension Mitchell Dunn is a late call-up to the starting side in jersey 19 with Ben Condon reverting to the bench and Corey Jensen dropping to 18th man.
Jake Clifford returns in the No.7 jersey with Ben Hampton missing due to a pec injury. In the other change from the team beaten by the Warriors, Javid Bowen comes into the centres in place of Justin O'Neill (knee).
Peter Hola and Tom Gilbert were the two players left out on Friday while Kane Bradley was omitted an hour before kick-off.
Cowboys right winger Kyle Feldt has scored 10 tries in 13 games at QCB Stadium.
Broncos: The Broncos will line up 1-17. Tyson Gamble and Anthony Milford clicked in the halves and will be looking to repeat that in Townsville this week.
Star centre Kotoni Staggs (knee) is a chance to return for Magic Round.
Tesi Niu and John Asiata were omitted 24 hours before kick-off. Dale Copley was the last man cut an hour before game time. Brendan Piakura is 18th man.
The Broncos will be aiming for their 500th victory since entering the premiership in 1988.
Match: Cowboys v Broncos
Round 9 -
home Team
Cowboys
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Valentine HolmesFullback for Broncos is number 1 Jamayne Isaako
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle FeldtWinger for Broncos is number 2 Xavier Coates
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Javid BowenCentre for Broncos is number 3 Herbie Farnworth
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Connelly LemueluCentre for Broncos is number 4 Jesse Arthars
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray TaulagiWinger for Broncos is number 5 Corey Oates
-
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Scott DrinkwaterFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Anthony Milford
-
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Jake CliffordHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Tyson Gamble
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Coen HessProp for Broncos is number 8 Matthew Lodge
-
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece RobsonHooker for Broncos is number 9 Jake Turpin
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jordan McLeanProp for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Shane Wright2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Jordan Riki
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 19 Mitchell Dunn2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Tevita Pangai Junior
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Jason TaumaloloLock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 12 Ben CondonInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Danny Levi
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jake GranvilleInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Thomas Flegler
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Lachlan BurrInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Ethan Bullemor
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Francis MoloInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Rhys Kennedy
Reserves
-
Reserve for Cowboys is number 17 Corey JensenReserve for Broncos is number 19 Brendan Piakura
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Sutton
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Nick Morel
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Key match-up
Scott Drinkwater v Anthony Milford: With Milford back in favour and back doing what he does best, the Broncos' attack looked sharp against the Titans.
Drinkwater, meanwhile, has been laying on plenty of tries with deft kicks in recent weeks and he'll be keen to get back on track after a disappointing loss in Gosford.
Consistency is the key for Milford and he needs to back up last week's form with another composed display.
Stat attack
The Broncos outside backs all ran for more than 100m in the stirring win over the Titans. Corey Oates (199m), Xavier Coates (171m ), Jamayne Isaako (137m), Herbie Farnworth (118m) and Jesse Arthars (114m) all got through plenty of hard work.
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