You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content
Match Preview

Cowboys v Roosters: Harden boost; Baxter closes in on return

Author
94ddz.com
Timestamp

The Cowboys face one of their toughest challenges yet this season when they take on an undefeated Roosters on Saturday afternoon.

Some solid performances, including a big 30-8 win last week over Wests Tigers, have propelled them into third spot on the ladder, but Ricky Henry and his charges know improvements are needed if they are to be the first to topple the defending premiers.

Last week, the Roosters were challenged in the first half against the Eels and where held to 12-12 at the break, before flying out of the sheds in the second to post a dominant 56-12 victory. 

Taina Naividi scored a hat-trick, with Tarryn Aiken and Jess Sergis both scoring doubles, but their polished attack holds threats across the park and will be looking to fire against the Cowboys. 

Team News

Cowboys: Veteran Tallisha Harden (quad) is set to return to a rejigged Cowboys squad for Saturday's showdown with the Roosters. Harden's comeback will see Lillian Yarrow shift to the front row, with China Polata also coming into the starting side after making a successful return an ACL injury off the bench last week. Abigail Roache (concussion) remains sidelined, meaning Krystal Blackwell will start at fullback with Jakiya Whitfeld in the centres and Ana Malupo on the wing. 

Roosters: Star fullback Corban Baxter has been named in the reserves for the second-straight week as she looks to return from an ankle injury. No changes to the 17 for the table-topping Roosters ahead of Saturday's challenging road trip to Townsville. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Krystal Blackwell
    Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Brydie Parker
  • Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Ana Malupo
    Winger for Roosters is number 2 Taina Naividi
  • Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Jakiya Whitfeld
    Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica Sergis
  • Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Jasmine Peters
    Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly
  • Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Francesca Goldthorp
    Winger for Roosters is number 5 Jayme Fressard
  • Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Kirra Dibb
    Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Jocelyn Kelleher
  • Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Tahlulah Tillett
    Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Tarryn Aiken

Forwards

  • Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Lillian Yarrow
    Prop for Roosters is number 8 Otesa Pule
  • Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Emma Manzelmann
    Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley Davis
  • Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Makenzie Weale
    Prop for Roosters is number 10 Rima Butler
  • 2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Tallisha Harden
    2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Aliyah Nasio
  • 2nd Row for Cowboys is number 17 Essay Banu
    2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Jasmin Strange
  • Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Bree Chester
    Lock for Roosters is number 13 Olivia Kernick

Interchange

  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 12 China Polata
    Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Mia Wood
  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Alisha Foord
    Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Macie Carlile
  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Lily Peacock
    Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Amber Hall
  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Tiana Raftstrand-Smith
    Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Eliza Lopamaua

Reserves

  • Replacement for Cowboys is number 18 Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell
    Replacement for Roosters is number 19 Shawden Burton

Match Officials

  • Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
  • Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond

Last updated:

Stat Attack 

  • Only three Cowboys players have played in a winning team against the Roosters.
  • The Roosters are aiming for their 15th consecutive victory.
  • The Cowboys have won three of their past four games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
  • Roosters halfback Jocelyn Kelleher requires seven points to break Ali Brigginshaw’s season point-scoring record.
  • Cowboys centre Jakiya Whitfeld has scored six tries in eight games at QCB Stadium.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the 

Related

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

Premier Partner

Media Partners

Major Partners

View All Partners