Five things to know: Round 23 v Warriors

Author: Cowboys.com.au
Timestamp: Wed 17 Aug 2022, 04:27 PM

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys host the Warriors at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Friday evening.

1. WELCOME HOME

After three weeks on the road, the Cowboys finally return home on Friday night. The Cowboys won two of their three games on the road, but fell in the final outing against the Roosters last weekend. North Queensland are 7-3 at home this season and have won six of their previous seven outings at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

2. MAKING AMENDS

The Round 5 loss to the Warriors was one of the rare low points of the first half of the season for the Cowboys. North Queensland surrendered a first half lead to fall 25-24 in golden point at Dolphin Oval in Redcliffe. The Warriors hold a 23-21 lead in the overall head-to-head match-up.

3. BACK ON DECK

Winger Kyle Feldt has been named to return from a hamstring injury on Friday night. Feldt missed the two previous games after suffering a hamstring injury against the Dragons in Round 20. Feldt has scored 10 tries in 15 appearances this season. Feldt’s 13 tries in just 10 appearances against the Warriors are tied for his most against any team in the NRL. He has also crossed 13 times against Cronulla.

4. STARTING STRONG

Jordan McLean returns to the starting side after an impressive return from injury off the interchange against the Roosters. McLean ran for 100 metres in just 26 minutes in his return from a hamstring injury suffered in State of Origin camp. The 31-year-old has been named at prop to face the Warriors.

5. STATS UPDATE

Valentine Holmes is 23 points clear of second place in the race for the NRL’s top point scorer. Holmes sits on 188 points and has also kicked the most goals in the competition with 79. Jeremiah Nanai’s 16 tries are third most in the NRL, while Jason Taumalolo’s 1283 post-contact metres rank fourth. Chad Townsend sits third with 16 try assists as does Reece Robson in tackles with 873. Murray Taulagi is tied with Selwyn Cobbo for the competition lead with six intercepts. Peta Hiku’s 355 runs are fourth most in the NRL.