Two sides very much in the mix for a finals berth square off in Townsville with the winner taking a big stride towards being part of the September action.
The Cowboys have won just three of seven at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in 2024 and with five of their remaining seven games to be played at home they need to ensure they turn it into a fortress.
Coach Todd Payten will be keeping a keen eye on Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter, Val Holmes and Jeremiah Nanai to see how they come through Wednesday night’s Origin decider before making a call on whether they back up on Sunday.
The Bulldogs arrive in Townsville with their belief sky high on the back of two nailbiting golden point wins over the Sharks and Warriors – a first finals appearance since 2016 now well and truly within grasp.
The wrist injury to hard-working prop Max King is a blow but back-rower Jacob Preston is back from a foot injury in a boost for the blue and whites.
The two teams clashed just once last season with Matt Burton’s golden boot proving the difference in a 15-14 Dogs victory at Accor Stadium.
Team News
Cowboys: Coach Todd Payten has named all five of his Origin reps in the reserves and will make a call later in the week as to whether they back up. Blockbusting winger Semi Valemei is also among the reserves as he nears a return from an ankle injury. Jaxon Purdue, Jake Clifford, Jake Granville, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Sam McIntyre have been named in the starting side pending the availability of the Origin stars.
Bulldogs: Jacob Preston returns from a foot injury in the back row and Josh Curran moves from the bench to starting prop in place of Max King (wrist). Poasa Faamausili is the new man on the bench. Skipper Stephen Crichton has been named to back up from Origin Three while Blues 18th man Matt Burton and Maroons reserve Reed Mahoney are also set to face the Cowboys.
Stat Attack
The Cowboys have won only one of their past five games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The Bulldogs have conceded less than 20 points in five of their past six games.
Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has scored six tries in his last six games.
The Bulldogs have lost seven from eight away from home in 2024.
Cowboys second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has scored five tries in his past five games at QCB Stadium.
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