Match Preview: Round 12 vs Cowboys

Author: Wests Tigers
Timestamp: Wed 22 May 2024, 08:51 PM

Wests Tigers tackle the Cowboys in Townsville on Friday night as the NRL celebrates Indigenous Round.

Round 12 - Round 12 - Friday 24 May

Full Time

Cowboys

Wests Tigers

Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Highlights Latest

The team is on a five-day turnaround following last Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins in Magic Round and has remained in Queensland to minimise travel with the short preparation.

While Wests Tigers are desperately hoping to break a seven-game losing run, the Cowboys snapped a five-game losing streak in Magic Round, beating the Rabbitohs 28-22.

Wests Tigers need no reminding about their last visit to Townsville which ended in a record loss for the club, so we’ll skip right past that and look instead at our last match in Indigenous Round.

Bula scores his first ever NRL try against the Cowboys in Indigenous Round

That was also in Round 12 and also against the Cowboys, when the team piled on eleven tries and 66 points on a magical night in Leichhardt.

Much has changed with both squads in 2024, so there's little point using last year's two lopsided matches as a guide to what might unfold on Friday.

In team news Wests Tigers have made a couple of forced changes after both centres, Justin Olam and Brent Naden, were handed one match suspensions.

Declan Casey and Josh Feledy in training

Declan Casey and Josh Feledy have been elevated from NSW Cup to take their place in a new-look backline.

Casey will make his club debut and become Wests Tigers Player #285 after scoring four tries in 10 games this season for Western Suburbs Magpies.

The 24-year-old played six NRL games at the Bulldogs before joining Wests Tigers ahead of the 2024 season.

Feledy will play his second NRL game after scoring four tries in eight appearances in the NSW Cup this season, following on from his first grade debut against the Sea Eagles in Round 27 last year.

Isaiah Papali’i returns to the side following a one-week suspension, replacing Asu Kepaoa in the second row. The other change in the forwards sees Justin Matamua named at lock with Alex Twal dropping back to the bench.

Round 12 - Round 12 - Friday 24 May

Full Time

Cowboys

Wests Tigers

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater

Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray Taulagi

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Charlie Staines
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Valentine Holmes

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Declan Casey
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Viliami Vailea

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Josh Feledy
Winger for Cowboys is number 21 Kyle Feldt

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Solomon Alaimalo
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom Dearden

Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Lachlan Galvin
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad Townsend

Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Jayden Sullivan

Forwards

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLean

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson

Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Apisai Koroisau
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Griffin Neame

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 David Klemmer
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Heilum Luki

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Samuela Fainu
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben Cotter

Lock for Wests Tigers is number 15 Alex Twal

Interchange

Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Sam McIntyre

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 13 Justin Matamua
Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Thomas Mikaele

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Jake Simpkin
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Alex Seyfarth
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Jason Taumalolo

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Fonua Pole

Reserves

Replacement for Cowboys is number 20 Harrison Edwards
Reserve for Wests Tigers is number 19 Alex Lobb

Match Officials

Referee: Belinda Sharpe
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen

Last updated: 6/3/2024 4:46:13 AM

Fast Facts:

The Cowboys have won only two of their last six games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Wests Tigers have won only two of their past 12 games at Queensland venues.
Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi has scored seven tries in his last five games against the Tigers.
Wests Tigers have scored over 17 points in a game only once this season.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten will reach the milestone of 100 games as NRL head coach.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services.