XXXX things you need to know: Round 24 v Raiders

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys host the Canberra Raiders at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday evening.

1. DOUBLE THE ACTION

On top of the Cowboys and Raiders NRL clash, North Queensland host the Gold Coast Titans in the NRLW, making for a mouth-watering double header for Cowboys fans. The NRLW fixture kicks off at 12.45pm, with an All Abilities game in between before the NRL at 5.30pm.

2. ON A ROLL

The Cowboys have enjoyed a recent run of success against the Raiders, with North Queensland winning the last five contents. Todd Payten’s men won the Round 15 encounter between the two sides 34-16 in Canberra. The Raiders hold a slender 25-24 lead in the overall match-up.

3. TOMMY RAISES THE BAT

Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden celebrates his 100th NRL appearance on Saturday night. The 23-year-old appeared in 22 games for the Broncos between 2019-2021 before arriving home in North Queensland mid-way through the 2021 season. Dearden has since gone on to make 78 appearances for the Cowboys.

4. STATS UPDATE

Scott Drinkwater continues to pace the NRL with 24 line-break assists and three 40-20s. He also sits second with 21 try assists and total runs with 389. Valentine Holmes ranks second with 182 points, now 15 behind Jamayne Isaako. Kyle Feldt sits third with 16 tries and fifth with 18 line-breaks.