The Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys have treated fans to some classic matches over the years, and with both teams recording Round 1 wins, the signs are good for another cracker this Friday night.
The Broncos upset reigning premiers Penrith last Friday night, out-enthusing the more favoured home side in the forwards, with a late field goal by skipper Adam Reynolds securing Brisbane's first victory in Panthers territory since 2009.
After missing four games at the end of last season due to suspension, Broncos prop Patrick Carrigan didn't miss a beat, with 50 tackles for the match. Fullback Selwyn Cobbo ran 197 metres in his first NRL game as the starting No. 1.
The Cowboys held on in a classic against Canberra to open their 2023 account, also winning with a field goal. Just like for the Broncos, it came off the boot of their skipper, with Chad Townsend stepping up to secure the win.
While happy to get the win, North Queensland will be looking to address the issues the team face in the second half of the match where they let an early 18-0 lead slip to be locked at 18-18 after the Raiders produced a spirited second-half fightback.
Match: Broncos v Cowboys
Round 2 -
home Team
Broncos
2nd Position
away Team
Cowboys
13th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Team News
Broncos: No late changes for Brisbane. Star signing Reece Walsh makes his first NRL appearance in a Broncos jersey after missing Round 1 with a facial fracture. Selwyn Cobbo moves to the wing after doing a fine job filling in at fullback so Jesse Arthars goes to 18th man. The forward pack is unchanged after a powerful first-up display against the premiers.
Cowboys: The Cowboys are 1-17 with no late changes. Brendan Elliott is 18th man. Stability was a hallmark of the Cowboys' success last year and 2023 is starting off in similar fashion as Todd Payten heads into the Queensland derby with the same 17 that got the job done against Canberra in Round 1.
Match: Broncos v Cowboys
Round 2 -
home Team
Broncos
away Team
Cowboys
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Reece WalshFullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater
-
Winger for Broncos is number 2 Corey OatesWinger for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle Feldt
-
Centre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni StaggsCentre for Cowboys is number 3 Valentine Holmes
-
Centre for Broncos is number 4 Herbie FarnworthCentre for Cowboys is number 4 Peta Hiku
-
Winger for Broncos is number 5 Selwyn CobboWinger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray Taulagi
-
Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra MamFive-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom Dearden
-
Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam ReynoldsHalfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad Townsend
Forwards
-
Prop for Broncos is number 8 Corey JensenProp for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLean
-
Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy WaltersHooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson
-
Prop for Broncos is number 10 Payne HaasProp for Cowboys is number 10 Reuben Cotter
-
2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kurt Capewell2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Coen Hess
-
2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai
-
Lock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick CarriganLock for Cowboys is number 13 Jason Taumalolo
Interchange
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Cory PaixInterchange for Cowboys is number 14 Jake Granville
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Keenan PalasiaInterchange for Cowboys is number 15 Griffin Neame
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Thomas FleglerInterchange for Cowboys is number 16 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Martin TaupauInterchange for Cowboys is number 17 James Tamou
Reserves
-
Replacement for Cowboys is number 18 Brendan Elliot
-
Reserve for Broncos is number 18 Jesse Arthars
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Broncos have started with a 2-0 record in two of the past three seasons.
- The Cowboys have won four of their past five games against the Broncos.
- Brisbane suffered half-century defeats in their past two games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has scored seven tries in his past six games against the Broncos.
- Broncos winger Corey Oates scored nine tries in 12 games at Suncorp Stadium in 2022.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
