Five things to know: Round 22 v Roosters

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys travel to Sydney to face the Roosters on Saturday afternoon.

1. HALLOWED TURF

Saturday’s game marks North Queensland’s maiden appearance at one of Australia’s most storied sporting venues – the Sydney Cricket Ground. The Roosters have been calling the SCG home for the past couple of seasons while the new Sydney Football Stadium has been under construction.

2. REVERSING FORTUNES

This fixture marks the second clash between the two sides in 2022. The Cowboys hosted the Roosters in Round 4 on the back of two consecutive impressive performances, but were beaten 28-4 and had three players spend time in the sin-bin. North Queensland will be out to break a four-match losing streak against the Roosters.

3. MAC’S BACK

Jordan McLean will make his return from injury. One of the Cowboys’ best over the first half of the season, McLean has been sidelined since tearing a hamstring in NSW State of Origin camp. The 31-year-old has been named on the interchange for his return.

4. COMING HOME

Saturday’s game marks the third and final game of a challenging three-week road trip. The Cowboys have toppled the Dragons at Kogarah and the Bulldogs in Bundaberg over the previous two weeks. North Queensland will play two of their final three games of the regular season at home, including the Warriors next weekend.

5. STATS UPDATE

Valentine Holmes is closing in on the NRL points-scoring title. Holmes’ 182 points are well clear of second-placed Sam Walker, who sits on 157. Jeremiah Nanai ranks third on 16 tries, a figure which is seven more than any other forward in the NRL. Jason Taumalolo’s 1253 post-contact metres are fourth most in the NRL, while Chad Townsend sits third with 16 try assists. Reece Robson’s 816 tackles are third-most and Murray Taulagi continues to the lead competition with six intercepts.