The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys will take on arch-rivals Brisbane at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium on February 27 in the club’s only official trial match of the 2021 pre-season.
The clash is the second of a two-year agreement signed between the two sides prior to the 2020 season, with North Queensland hosting the Broncos in Cairns last February.
With the NRL limiting all clubs to one official trial, it unfortunately means the Cowboys won’t play a trial in North Queensland this year.
The Broncos trial will serve as new Cowboys Head Coach Todd Payten’s first official match in charge after taking the reins in November.
As the sole trial before the Cowboys’ Round 1 showdown with Penrith on March 13 – North Queensland are expected to field close to a full strength side including co-captains Michael Morgan and Jason Taumalolo.
“We’re excited to be playing the first game of what is essentially a new era for our club against our traditional rivals Brisbane down in Redcliffe,” Cowboys Head of Football Micheal Luck said.
“While it’s disappointing we won’t hold a trial in North Queensland this year, given the restrictions we continue to face and the shortened pre-season it’s understandable and we have our fingers crossed next year we will return to our regular schedule and host a home trial.
“Our coaching staff and our players are fully focused on putting our best team on the park for what shapes as an important trial against the Broncos.”
Tickets go on sale to the general public via Ticketek at 12pm on Monday, January 25.
