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Match Preview

Broncos v Cowboys: Walsh ready to go; Cowboys unchanged

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pan66.com
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The Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys have treated fans to some classic matches over the years, and with both teams recording Round 1 wins, the signs are good for another cracker this Friday night.

The Broncos upset reigning premiers Penrith last Friday night, out-enthusing the more favoured home side in the forwards, with a late field goal by skipper Adam Reynolds securing Brisbane's first victory in Panthers territory since 2009.

After missing four games at the end of last season due to suspension, Broncos prop Patrick Carrigan didn't miss a beat, with 50 tackles for the match. Fullback Selwyn Cobbo ran 197 metres in his first NRL game as the starting No. 1.

The Cowboys held on in a classic against Canberra to open their 2023 account, also winning with a field goal. Just like for the Broncos, it came off the boot of their skipper, with Chad Townsend stepping up to secure the win.

While happy to get the win, North Queensland will be looking to address the issues the team face in the second half of the match where they let an early 18-0 lead slip to be locked at 18-18 after the Raiders produced a spirited second-half fightback.

Team News

Broncos: No late changes for Brisbane. Star signing Reece Walsh makes his first NRL appearance in a Broncos jersey after missing Round 1 with a facial fracture. Selwyn Cobbo moves to the wing after doing a fine job filling in at fullback so Jesse Arthars goes to 18th man. The forward pack is unchanged after a powerful first-up display against the premiers. 

Cowboys: The Cowboys are 1-17 with no late changes. Brendan Elliott is 18th man. Stability was a hallmark of the Cowboys' success last year and 2023 is starting off in similar fashion as Todd Payten heads into the Queensland derby with the same 17 that got the job done against Canberra in Round 1.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Reece Walsh
    Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott  Drinkwater
  • Winger for Broncos is number 2 Corey Oates
    Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle Feldt
  • Centre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
    Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Valentine Holmes
  • Centre for Broncos is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
    Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Peta Hiku
  • Winger for Broncos is number 5 Selwyn Cobbo
    Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray Taulagi
  • Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
    Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom Dearden
  • Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds
    Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad Townsend

Forwards

  • Prop for Broncos is number 8 Corey Jensen
    Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLean
  • Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
    Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson
  • Prop for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
    Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Reuben Cotter
  • 2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kurt Capewell
    2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Coen Hess
  • 2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
    2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai
  • Lock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan
    Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Jason Taumalolo

Interchange

  • Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Cory Paix
    Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jake Granville
  • Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Keenan Palasia
    Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Griffin Neame
  • Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Thomas Flegler
    Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
  • Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Martin Taupau
    Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 James Tamou

Reserves

  • Replacement for Cowboys is number 18 Brendan Elliot
  • Reserve for Broncos is number 18 Jesse Arthars

Match Officials

  • Referee: Ashley Klein
  • Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
  • Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Broncos have started with a 2-0 record in two of the past three seasons.
  • The Cowboys have won four of their past five games against the Broncos.
  • Brisbane suffered half-century defeats in their past two games at Suncorp Stadium.
  • Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has scored seven tries in his past six games against the Broncos.
  • Broncos winger Corey Oates scored nine tries in 12 games at Suncorp Stadium in 2022.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .

Related

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.