NRL.com match preview: Fonua-Blake in doubt; Drinkwater replaces HTF
The Warriors have rebounded well from two opening losses to defeat the Tigers and Broncos in successive weeks and have started to find some rhythm in attack and steel in defence.
Nathan Brown's men conceded just two tries in round three and one in round four and it's that sort of defensive focus they will need to call on to subdue the likes of Val Holmes, Tom Dearden and Jason Taumalolo.
Their attack looked more threatening with Shaun Johnson back in the No.7 and Chanel Harris-Tavita finding his feet at five-eighth.
The Cowboys were outclassed by the Roosters in Townsville but still sit fifth on the ladder with a 2-2 record and a solid points differential.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Warriors v Cowboys
The Rundown
Team news
Warriors: Addin Fonua-Blake will start in the frontrow with Bunty Afoa moving back to the bench and Eliesa Katoa becoming 18th man. Bayley Sironen starts on an edge, Josh Curran is named at lock and Jazz Tevaga is out, along with Ben Murdoch-Masila. Aaron Pene and Jack Murchie are the new names on the interchange.
Cowboys: Scott Drinkwater replaces the injured Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback. Reuben Cotter starts in the middle with Jamayne Taunoa-Brown on the interchange in the final line-up named 60 minutes before kick-off. Coen Hess has been named on the reserves as he works his way back from a shoulder injury. Brendan Elliott is 18th man.
Match: Warriors v Cowboys
Round 5 -
home Team
Warriors
away Team
Cowboys
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Reece WalshFullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater
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Winger for Warriors is number 2 Edward KosiWinger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle Feldt
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Centre for Warriors is number 3 Jesse ArtharsCentre for Cowboys is number 3 Valentine Holmes
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Centre for Warriors is number 4 Adam PompeyCentre for Cowboys is number 4 Peta Hiku
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Winger for Warriors is number 5 Marcelo MontoyaWinger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray Taulagi
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Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Chanel Harris-TavitaFive-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom Dearden
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Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Shaun JohnsonHalfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad Townsend
Forwards
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Prop for Warriors is number 10 Matthew LodgeProp for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLean
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Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde EganHooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson
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Prop for Warriors is number 20 Addin Fonua-BlakeProp for Cowboys is number 16 Reuben Cotter
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2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Euan Aitken2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Tom Gilbert
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2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Bayley Sironen2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai
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Lock for Warriors is number 13 Josh CurranLock for Cowboys is number 13 Jason Taumalolo
Interchange
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Interchange for Warriors is number 8 Bunty AfoaInterchange for Cowboys is number 10 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
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Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Kodi NikorimaInterchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jake Granville
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Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Aaron PeneInterchange for Cowboys is number 15 Heilum Luki
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Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Jack MurchieInterchange for Cowboys is number 17 Griffin Neame
Reserves
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Replacement for Warriors is number 15 Eliesa KatoaReplacement for Cowboys is number 19 Brendan Elliot
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Key match-up
Shaun Johnson v Chad Townsend: The two veterans should know each other's game inside out having played together at the Warriors and Sharks earlier in their careers. Johnson laid on the Warriors' opening try against Brisbane and kicked solidly all day in his first game back from a pectoral injury while Townsend will call on all his experience to turn things around after a disappointing night in Townsville.
Stat attack
The Cowboys had just 45 per cent of possession against the Roosters and were forced to make 66 more tackles than their opponents.
