The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys travel to Brisbane to take on the Broncos in a XXXX Derby clash on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.
1. QUEENSLAND SHOWDOWN
The Cowboys will be looking for revenge after going down in both Derby clashes against the arch-rival Broncos in 2024. Suncorp Stadium has been a happier hunting ground for the Cowboys, with Todd Payten’s men winning six of their past eight games at the venue, including a 28-22 Magic Round victory last season on the back of Tom Dearden double.
2. CARL WEBB MEDAL
For the second time in as many weeks, Cowboys players will be competing for a medallion honouring a late club legend. Man of the Match in Cowboys and Broncos fixtures are awarded the Carl Webb Medal, a tradition that began last season. Webb appeared in 115 games for the Cowboys and 66 for the Broncos over an illustrious career.
3. BIG GUNS RETURN
Star middle forward Jason Taumalolo, Jeremiah Nanai and Jake Clifford have been recalled to the team to face the Broncos. It will mark Taumalolo’s return to the NRL after missing the start of the season due to Lisfranc surgery. He has been named at prop, with Clifford coming into the team at halfback and Nanai on the interchange.
4. DERBY DAY
Friday night marks the first XXXX Derby for Cowboys winger Rob Derby. The 23-year-old will make his first NRL appearance since his debut in the 2023 season after an injury-interrupted campaign last season. Derby comes into the team on the wing, replacing an injured Braidon Burns.
