XXXX things you need to know: Round 18 v Sea Eagles

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys host the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday night.

1. HOME SWEET HOME

After a torrid run of travel, stretching back to the February trials, the Cowboys are set for long stints at home in the back end of the season. Six of North Queensland’s final eight games are at QCB Stadium and the team also have two byes remaining. The Cowboys don’t leave home for the entire month of July.

2. WELCOME BACK

After being granted the weekend off for the Panthers clash, the Cowboys Origin stars will return for the Manly clash. Todd Payten opted to rest the six representative players, who had not had a break through the first 17 rounds of the competition, missing the Cowboys first bye through Origin commitments.

3. REVERSING FORTUNES

The Cowboys will be desperate to correct an unfortunate recent home record against Manly. The Sea Eagles have been victorious in each of their previous four trips to North Queensland, stretching back to 2016. The Cowboys have won the previous two fixtures between the two sides, including a 19-8 victory in Round 20 last season.

4. STATS UPDATE

Valentine Holmes’ 134 points on the season are just seven behind competition leader Jamayne Issako’s 141. Scott Drinkwater leads the NRL with 20 linebreak assists, four clear of his nearest rival. He also sits second with 20 try assists, tied first for 40-20s and second for total runs. Chad Townsend sits just behind Drinkwater with 17 try assists and leads the NRL with three field goals. Reuben Cotter ranks third with 602 tackles.