What you need to know: Cowboys v Souths

Author: Cowboys.com.au
Timestamp: Fri 29 Jun 2018, 08:31 AM

The South Sydney Rabbitohs host the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys in an important clash at Barlow Park in Cairns on Sunday afternoon.

1. HOME AWAY FROM HOME

It may be a South Sydney home game, but there's no doubt which side the crowd will favour on Sunday afternoon. Home to a passionate Cowboys fan base, Cairns has proven a fruitful hunting ground for North Queensland. The Cowboys are undefeated in two games at Barlow Park, both coming against the Rabbitohs – a 20-nil victory in 2016 and a 23-10 triumph last season.

2. SUNDAY FUNDAY

The Rabbitohs clash marks the Cowboys only Sunday game of the entire 2018 season. Aside from the Rabbitohs, who play only two Sunday games, every other team in the NRL will appear on Sundays at least four times in 2018. The Titans and Wests Tigers lead the way with nine Sunday games apiece, while the Raiders, Sea Eagles and Dragons all play eight.

3. BRAGGING RIGHTS

Despite both clubs enjoying high levels of success in recent seasons, the Cowboys have absolutely dominated the Rabbitohs over the past five years. Before their last-minute 20-19 defeat in Round 11, the Cowboys had won eight of their previous nine games against South Sydney. Overall North Queensland hold a 17-15 advantage to go along with two draws in 34 head to head meetings.

4. CASUALTY WARD

The injury bug continues to bite the Cowboys. Superstar playmaker Michael Morgan has now been ruled out for the season after sustaining a torn bicep against the Warriors in Round 15. Morgan joins Jordan McLean, Josh Chudleigh, John Asiata and Sam Hoare in the casualty ward, while co captain Matt Scott remains in doubt with an ongoing neck issue. Lachlan Coote will replace Morgan at fullback, while Antonio Winterstein also returns to the side after missing a week with a knee complaint.

5. MILESTONE APPROACHING

The Round 15 loss to the Warriors means the Cowboys are still searching for club win number 250. A victory over the Rabbitohs on Sunday night would see North Queensland reach the mark.