Ten years after they broke Broncos hearts in one of the great grand finals of the modern era, the Cowboys can again inflict pain on their Queensland rivals by halting their charge towards the top four.
The Broncos' slashing win over Newcastle lifted them to fifth on the ladder and ensured they would be playing finals footy but the carrot is there for Michael Maguire's men to earn a double chance.
The Cowboys showed great character to fight back from 12 points down with 15 minutes to play against Wests Tigers, coming away with a 34-28 win in hostile territory at Leichhardt Oval.
With fullbacks Scott Drinkwater and Reece Walsh in imperious form this promises to be a high-scoring shootout in Townsville in the 66th meeting between these two great rivals.
Match: Cowboys v Broncos
Round 26 -
home Team
Cowboys
14th Position
away Team
Broncos
4th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Team News
Cowboys: On the back of a rousing comeback victory over Wests Tigers, coach Todd Payten sticks with the same squad. Impressive youngsters Emarly Bitungane and Nicholas Lenaz are part of the extended squad after making their NRL debuts in recent weeks.
Broncos: Skipper Adam Reynolds is listed among the reserves as he closes in on a return from the hamstring injury he suffered in Round 23 against the Storm. Back-rower Brendan Piakura returns from concussion on the bench with Jesse Arthars moving to 18th man.
Match: Cowboys v Broncos
Round 26 -
home Team
Cowboys
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott DrinkwaterFullback for Broncos is number 1 Reece Walsh
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Semi ValemeiWinger for Broncos is number 2 Josiah Karapani
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Jaxon PurdueCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
-
Centre for Cowboys is number 14 Zac LaybuttCentre for Broncos is number 4 Gehamat Shibasaki
-
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Braidon BurnsWinger for Broncos is number 5 Deine Mariner
-
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Jake CliffordFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Billy Walters
-
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Tom DeardenHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Ben Hunt
Forwards
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLeanProp for Broncos is number 8 Corey Jensen
-
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece RobsonHooker for Broncos is number 9 Cory Paix
-
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jason TaumaloloProp for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 John Bateman2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Jaiyden Hunt
-
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
-
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben CotterLock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan
Interchange
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Karl LawtonInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Tyson Smoothy
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Harrison EdwardsInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Kobe Hetherington
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Thomas MikaeleInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Ben Talty
-
Interchange for Cowboys is number 18 Kai O'DonnellInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Brendan Piakura
Reserves
-
Replacement for Cowboys is number 21 Jaxson PauloReplacement for Broncos is number 18 Jesse Arthars
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Cowboys have won only two from 11 against top-eight opposition in 2025.
- The Broncos have won their last five games against the Cowboys.
- Cowboys second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has scored six tries in six games against the Broncos.
- Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has scored five tries in his last four games.
- Cowboys lock Reuben Cotter will make his 100th NRL appearance
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the
