Five things you need to know: Round 6 v Raiders
The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys travel to Canberra to face the Raiders on Thursday night.
1. BACK TO THE CAPITAL
Tonight’s game marks North Queensland’s first visit to the nation’s capital since 2019. GIO Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for the Cowboys in recent times, winning three of the previous five fixtures. Their last outing in Canberra was an upset 22-16 victory behind tries to Justin O’Neill, Kyle Feldt and Tom Opacic.
2. PRIMETIME
The Raiders clash is one of just two Thursday night games for the Cowboys in 2022 – both away games. Along with tonight’s showdown in Canberra, North Queensland face the Titans on a Thursday night in Round 13.
3. HESSY’S BACK
Coen Hess has been named to return from a two-week injury lay-off tonight. One of the key pieces of the Cowboys’ forward pack, Hess has been sidelined since injuring his shoulder in the XXXX Derby victory over the Broncos in Round 3. He will line-up in the front row alongside Jordan McLean.
4. WELCOME BACK
Connelly Lemuelu will make his first top grade appearance of the season against the Raiders tonight. The 23-year-old moved from centre to second row in the pre-season and immediately impressed Cowboys coaches. Lemuelu has been named on the interchange.
5. HELLO AGAIN
Tonight’s game marks the second meeting between the two sides in the opening six weeks of the season. Canberra travelled north in Round 2, with a Cowboys second half blitz leading to a 26-6 win. Canberra lead the overall head to head match-up 25-21, although North Queensland have won three of the past four meetings.
