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As the NZ Warriors gear up to face the North Queensland Cowboys on 3rd May at 7.30pm at the Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, fans are eagerly anticipating another thrilling encounter. Let's take a closer look at the teams, their form and history.
Magic Round
One of the NRL's many showpiece events, Magic Round gathers every team in Brisbane for eight games at Suncorp Stadium. This year, the Warriors will face the Cowboys in what promises to be a high-octane match. Interestingly, for the Warriors, this fixture counts as a home game, meaning one less for their Go Media Stadium base. In the last Magic Round, an understrength Warriors line-up shocked defending premiers Penrith Panthers with a stunning 22-20 win.
History
The Warriors hold an impressive winning record against the Cowboys, having won 26 out of 48 matches. Their advantage is even more pronounced when playing at home (18-7). However, this will be their fourth meeting at a neutral venue. They have won four of the last five meetings, the exception being a heavy 48-4 loss in Townsville during their challenging 2022 campaign.
Form
Coming into this match, both teams are in fine form. The Cowboys, after a slow start to the season, have turned things around and sit two spots behind the Warriors in sixth place. They come off a resounding 50-18 win over Gold Coast Titans, with winger Robert Derby scoring a hat-trick.
On the other hand, the Warriors, after a disappointing display against Melbourne Storm, have bounced back with two wins. A win in this game would see them equal their best-ever start to an NRL season after eight games.
Teams
Both teams have named strong line-ups. Warriors Coach Andrew Webster has stuck with the same reshuffled line-up that took the field against Newcastle Knights. The only change comes on the interchange, where Jacob Laban is under concussion protocols, replaced by half Te Maire Martin.
The Cowboys' coach, former Warriors assistant Todd Payten, has stuck with the same line-up that overran Gold Coast last week.
Player to watch
Cowboys captain and halfback Tom Dearden is hitting top form and will be a player to watch. He enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, starting for Queensland in all three Origin games and debuting for Australia.
Kiwi to watch
Now in his fifth season with the Cowboys, rugged West Coast forward Griffin Neame has carved a niche for himself on their bench. He made his NZ Kiwis debut during the triumphant 2023 Pacific Championship campaign and stands to become a consistent selection in the future.
What will happen
With momentum behind them, the Cowboys enter this contest as favourites, despite their lower ranking on the table. The Warriors are coming off their best performance of the season, but believe they are still well short of their potential. They will need to find that level if they are to spring an upset. The prediction is Cowboys in a thriller.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/55...ting-line-up-against-north-queensland-cowboys
Magic Round
One of the NRL's many showpiece events, Magic Round gathers every team in Brisbane for eight games at Suncorp Stadium. This year, the Warriors will face the Cowboys in what promises to be a high-octane match. Interestingly, for the Warriors, this fixture counts as a home game, meaning one less for their Go Media Stadium base. In the last Magic Round, an understrength Warriors line-up shocked defending premiers Penrith Panthers with a stunning 22-20 win.
History
The Warriors hold an impressive winning record against the Cowboys, having won 26 out of 48 matches. Their advantage is even more pronounced when playing at home (18-7). However, this will be their fourth meeting at a neutral venue. They have won four of the last five meetings, the exception being a heavy 48-4 loss in Townsville during their challenging 2022 campaign.
Form
Coming into this match, both teams are in fine form. The Cowboys, after a slow start to the season, have turned things around and sit two spots behind the Warriors in sixth place. They come off a resounding 50-18 win over Gold Coast Titans, with winger Robert Derby scoring a hat-trick.
On the other hand, the Warriors, after a disappointing display against Melbourne Storm, have bounced back with two wins. A win in this game would see them equal their best-ever start to an NRL season after eight games.
Teams
Both teams have named strong line-ups. Warriors Coach Andrew Webster has stuck with the same reshuffled line-up that took the field against Newcastle Knights. The only change comes on the interchange, where Jacob Laban is under concussion protocols, replaced by half Te Maire Martin.
The Cowboys' coach, former Warriors assistant Todd Payten, has stuck with the same line-up that overran Gold Coast last week.
Player to watch
Cowboys captain and halfback Tom Dearden is hitting top form and will be a player to watch. He enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, starting for Queensland in all three Origin games and debuting for Australia.
Kiwi to watch
Now in his fifth season with the Cowboys, rugged West Coast forward Griffin Neame has carved a niche for himself on their bench. He made his NZ Kiwis debut during the triumphant 2023 Pacific Championship campaign and stands to become a consistent selection in the future.
What will happen
With momentum behind them, the Cowboys enter this contest as favourites, despite their lower ranking on the table. The Warriors are coming off their best performance of the season, but believe they are still well short of their potential. They will need to find that level if they are to spring an upset. The prediction is Cowboys in a thriller.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/55...ting-line-up-against-north-queensland-cowboys
