Five things you need to know: Round 5 v Warriors
The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys travel to Redcliffe to battle the Warriors on Friday evening.
1. NEW ADVENTURE
North Queensland’s trip to Moreton Daily Stadium marks their first NRL fixture at the venue. The Cowboys did play the Broncos at the home of the Redcliffe Dolphins in a trial in 2021, but have never played an official round match at the venue. Moreton Daily Stadium becomes the third Brisbane stadium the Cowboys have appeared at, following Suncorp Stadium and the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre.
2. ONE AWAY
Two teams who both entered the premiership in 1995, the Cowboys and Warriors have enjoyed a terrific rivalry. The Warriors currently lead the overall head-to-head match-up by just one win at 22-21. The two teams have split the previous four games two apiece, although the Cowboys were victorious in the previous match-up – a thrilling 29-28 triumph in Round 12 last season.
3. SWAPPING ONES
Scott Drinkwater will make his first NRL appearance of 2022, replacing injured fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the No.1 jersey. Drinkwater hasn’t appeared at fullback at NRL level since Round 2 last season, but did produce a brilliant performance in the position for the Mackay Cutters in the Queensland Cup in Round 2.
4. HESS OUT
Coen Hess will remain on the sidelines for at least another week after failing to overcome a shoulder injury sustained in the Round 3 victory over Brisbane. Originally named in the No.18 jersey, Hess was given an outside chance to return, but is yet to regain full strength in his shoulder. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown starts at prop, with Reuben Cotter reverting to the bench.
5. TOMMY ON A RUN
Tom Dearden enters the Warriors clash as one of the NRL’s in-form playmakers. The Cowboys five-eighth leads the NRL with five line-break assists and sits only behind Mitchell Moses for the competition lead in try assists with six through four games.
