Two of the form teams of the NRL collide when the eighth-placed Cowboys host the second-placed Roosters to open Round 22.<\/p>\n
Todd Payten’s men are riding high after ending the Broncos’ title defence with an 18-10 victory in front of the Townsville faithful last week while the Roosters made it five on the trot with a narrow win over the Knights.<\/p>\n
The battle of fullbacks Scott Drinkwater and James Tedesco promises to be a cracker while Jason Taumalolo and Naufahu Whyte are set to rock the foundations of QCB Stadium when they collide.<\/p>\n
The Cowboys got the better of the Roosters in Magic Round so the fact they sit six places behind the Chooks will hold no fears as they chase a return to the finals after finishing 12th last year.<\/p>\n
Team News<\/p>\n
Cowboys: Englishman John Bateman has withdrawn after experiencing tightness in his hamstring during Wednesday’s captain’s run so Kai O’Donnell comes into the 19. After coming off the bench last week, Tom Mikaele is back in the starting side in place of Griffin Neame (suspended). Soni Luke also moves into the starting side at hooker with Reed Mahoney suffering a Category 1 head knock last week. Bateman and Ronald Philitoga dropped out of the squad in the 24-hour update.<\/p>\n
Roosters: Tommy Talau takes over on the wing from Daniel Tupou (shoulder) while Hugo Savala comes in at centre for Billy Smith, who has been unable to train due to illness. The new man on the bench is Reece Foley. Prop Lindsay Collins remains sidelined due to ongoing concussion concerns. No changes in Wednesday’s 24-hour update with Benaiah Ioelu and De La Salle Va’a dropping off the extended bench.<\/p>\n
Stat Attack\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Cowboys have won three of their past four games against the Roosters.
\nThe Roosters have won four from four at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
\nCowboys winger Braidon Burns has scored four tries in his last three games against the Roosters.
\nCowboys winger Murray Taulagi has scored eight tries in his last six games at QCB Stadium.<\/p>\n
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,\u00a0author of the\u00a0official annual of the NRL.<\/a><\/p>\n