Five things to know: Round 24 v Dragons

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys travel to Rockhampton on Saturday afternoon to take on the St George Illawarra Dragons at Browne Park.

1. HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Rockhampton and the surrounds are home to a huge contingent of Cowboys supporters and those fans will have the opportunity to see their team play in the flesh without leaving town on Saturday. The Cowboys are set to play their first ever in-season game at Rockhampton, with the Dragons home game being moved due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

2. HAPPY HOMECOMING

Proud Rockhampton locals Jake Granville and Ben Condon will undoubtedly be the clear crowd favourites at Browne Park. Granville was born in Rockhampton and played his junior football for Rockhampton Brothers before attending renowned rugby league nursery St Brendan’s College in Yeppoon. Condon came through the Cowboys Rockhampton Academy and starred at Rockhampton Grammar before moving to Townsville.

3. MAIDEN OUTINGS

Superstars Jason Taumalolo and Valentine Holmes are both set for career firsts in Saturday’s clash. Taumalolo has been named at front row for the first time in his 12 seasons in the NRL, while Holmes will play centre for the first time in the top grade.

4. PIVOTAL CLASH

North Queensland will be out for revenge following the 25-18 loss to the Dragons at home in Round 2. The two teams are currently locked at 17 victories apiece in the overall head to head match-up, with the Cowboys previous victory over the Dragons coming in Round 17 of the 2020 season.

5. BACK ON THE WINGS

Taumalolo and Holmes’ shifts aren’t the only changes to Todd Payten’s side to face the Dragons. Murray Taulagi and Kyle Feldt return on the wings after stints on the sideline with concussion. Reuben Cotter has been elevated to start at lock after a brilliant return from injury last weekend, while Griffin Neame returns from a one-game suspension on the interchange.