The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys will kick off the 2022 NRL season with back-to-back home games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Todd Payten’s side begin their campaign with a Sunday evening showdown with the Bulldogs on March 13 before hosting the Raiders in Round 2.
>>> See the Cowboys 2022 draw here
The Cowboys are not slated to leave Queensland until Round 6 with away clashes against Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium) and the Warriors (Redcliffe) in Rounds 3 and 5 sandwiching a home blockbuster against the Roosters in Round 4.
In a huge coup for the Cowboys’ wide-travelling fanbase, seven of the club’s 12 home games are scheduled for the preferred Saturday afternoon/evening timeslots.
The five remaining home games are split between Friday evenings (three) and Sunday afternoons (two).
Annually the hottest ticket on the Cowboys calendar, the highly anticipated home XXXX Derby clash with arch-rivals Brisbane is set for a fan-friendly 5.30pm Saturday kick off in Round 16. Fellow XXXX Derby rivals the Gold Coast travel to North Queensland for Anzac Round on April 23, with the away fixture slated for Round 13 at Cbus Super Stadium.
Further highlights of the home draw include a visit from perennial powerhouse Melbourne in Round 11 and the regular season finale against reigning premiers Penrith in Round 25.
The standout away fixtures include two firsts for North Queensland. In Round 21 the Cowboys will take on the Bulldogs for a first ever appearance in Bundaberg and the following week North Queensland will remarkably make their maiden appearance at the famed SCG against the Roosters.
“Seven of our 12 home games are set for the Saturday afternoon or evening timeslots at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, which is a great result for our committed fan base who travel further than any other in the NRL,” Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said.
“The blockbuster against the Broncos is in the school holidays, giving people extra time to travel. We also have home games against the Roosters, Storm and Dragons, which are always strongly attended.
“From a pure football view, we think this is a very good draw for us with no five-day turnarounds. Away games against the Warriors, Tigers and Bulldogs in Queensland also cuts our travel dramatically, which is a huge bonus for the recovery of our players.
“Today’s draw announcement coincides with the launch of our 2022 full season membership packages where you can see all 12 Cowboys home games from as low as $196, which is great value as you are receiving three games free as well as access to exclusive merchandise and VIP benefits.”
Cowboys 2022 home games breakdown:
Thursday: 0
Friday: 3
Saturday: 7
Sunday: 2
