The Cowboys’ defence has been a major weakness during this period, as they have conceded big scores against the likes of the Dolphins, Sydney Roosters, Melbourne and Cronulla.
Todd Payten will be hoping for an improved showing from his side this week when they take on Parramatta. These two sides haven’t played each other since Round 6 last year when the Eels claimed a 27-20 victory.
North Queensland Cowboys NRL game this week
The Cowboys will take on the Eels at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, August 10 at 4:05pm (AEST).
Cowboys confirmed team list for Round 23
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Zac Laybutt
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Braidon Burns
6. Jake Clifford
7. Tom Dearden
8. Harrison Edwards
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Marly Bitungane
15. Thomas Mikaele
16. Kai O’Donnell
17. Coen Hess
18. Jaxson Paulo
19. Semi Valemei
20. Nicholas Lenaz
21. Jamal Shibasaki
22. Kaiden Lahrs
Cowboys latest team news:
Todd Payten’s side are in dire form and are out of the running for finals footy, but they are set to receive some good news this week.
Jake Clifford and Jason Taumalolo will return from injury to give the Cowboys a different look to the side that played against the Sharks.
Clifford’s return from a quad issue pushes Jaxon Purdue back into the centres and sees Jeremiah Nanai return to the backrow.
There is also another re-shuffle in the backline with Robert Derby dropping out of the side due to injury. Zac Laybutt takes over on the wing, while Viliami Vailea makes his return from a long-term injury.
Taumalolo’s inclusion comes at the expense of Griffin Neame up front, with the injured prop a rare bright spot for the Cowboys during their loss in the Shire.
Thomas Mikaele will return from a knee issue to take his place on the pine and he is joined there by last week’s debutant Marly Bitungane. Kaiden Lahrs misses out on the 17.
Meanwhile, Murray Taulagi is not expected back from a hamstring injury until Round 25. Jordan McLean and Sam McIntyre remain in the casualty ward with him.
Karl Lawton still has one more game to serve of his suspension for dangerous contact.Â
