The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys travel to Sydney to face the Penrith Panthers at CommBank Stadium on Friday night.
1. ON THE ROAD AGAIN
The Cowboys will embark on an extended road trip when they depart North Queensland on Thursday morning. Todd Payten’s men will remain in Sydney following Friday’s game against the Panthers before heading to Perth on Tuesday in preparation for a clash with South Sydney at Optus Stadium in Round 6.
2. TAKING ON THE CHAMPS
North Queensland are one of the few clubs to have a respectable record against the four-time reigning premiers in recent seasons. The Cowboys have won three of their previous five games against the Panthers, including a remarkable 16-6 victory in Penrith in Round 17 last season.
3. CONTINUITY
Payten has named an unchanged 17 for the third week in a row, with Griffin Neame overcoming a hamstring injury to take his spot on the interchange.
4. UNHAPPY HUNTING GROUND
The Cowboys will be out to break the duck at one of the NRL’s newest venues. The Cowboys have lost their only three appearances at CommBank Stadium, although have been rare visitors since its opening in 2019.
