Finals are fast becoming an elusive dream for the Cowboys and Dragons as they prepare to square off in Townsville in Round 21.<\/p>\n
The Cowboys have won just one of their past seven matches, their only victory in that stretch coming over the last-placed Titans.<\/p>\n
The Dragons, meanwhile, have won one of their past six and last weekend continued a season of narrow losses when they were nailed late by the Bulldogs in a 20-18 loss.<\/p>\n
Shane Flanagan’s men have now suffered six defeats by six points or less in 2025, leaving them to rue what might have been as they stare down the barrel of missing the finals for a seventh straight year.<\/p>\n
Team News<\/p>\n
Cowboys: The loss of Murray Taulagi (hamstring) pushes Braidon Burns out to the wing while Jaxon Purdue returns to the centres and Thomas Duffy comes in at five-eighth. Robert Derby has been recalled on the other wing so Jaxson Paulo makes way. In the pack, John Bateman (groin) is back so Harrison Edwards pushes up to prop to replace Thomas Mikaele (knee).<\/p>\n
Dragons: Just the one change for Shane Flanagan with the shoulder injury to Sione Finau pushing Corey Allan out to the wing and bringing Mat Feagai into the centres for just his third game of the season.<\/p>\n
Stat Attack<\/p>\n
The Cowboys have won their last five games against the Dragons.
\nThe Dragons have won only three of their past 15 games at Queensland venues.
\nThe Cowboys have lost four of their past five games at home.
\nDragons winger Tyrell Sloan has scored four tries in his past three games.
\nCowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater has scored four tries in his last four games against the Dragons.<\/p>\n