The Cowboys and Titans are both chasing their first win of the season when they face off in a Queensland derby in the final game of Multicultural Round on Sunday evening. 

Gold Coast looked destined to defeat the Dolphins last weekend before a late surge consigned Josh Hannay’s side to a second-straight loss to start the year. 

There were plenty of promising signs, however, and a young backline continues to develop. 

The Cowboys also showed glimpses of brilliance in a loss to the Wests Tigers and return home for their first game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium this year following trips to Las Vegas and Leichhardt. 

Halfback Tom Dearden is one of the best playmakers in the game and will be looking to dissect the Titans defence with his astute running and kicking games. 

Tom Chester and Heilum Luki will also continue to develop after returning from lengthy injury lay offs and should hit the ground running in Townsville. 

Matches between the Titans and Cowboys have delivered some tight finishes over the years and another thriller is on the cards on Sunday night. 

Team News

Cowboys: One change to the interchange in Saturday’s 24-hour update, with Matthew Lodge coming into the six-man bench in place of Harrison Graham. Inspirational skipper Reuben Cotter is straight back into the starting side after missing last week’s loss to the Tigers due to family reasons. Cotter’s return will see Kai O’Donnell shift to the bench and Matt Lodge to the reserves. Zac Laybutt is also in the mix for his first game of the season after serving a suspension picked up in the Pre-Season Challenge.

Titans: Jayden Campbell is set to return from a hamstring injury in a major boost for new coach Josh Hannay. The playmaker has been named on the six-man bench but could come into the starting side closer to kick off. AJ Brimson and Lachlan Ilias are currently listed in the halves, but Campbell’s return could prompt a reshuffle. No changes in Saturday’s team update, with Josh Patston remaining in the extended squad as 20th man. 

Stat Attack

The Cowboys scored 80 points in two wins against the Titans in 2025.
The Titans have won only once in seven attempts at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi has scored a try in his last three games against the Titans.
Titans lock Chris Randall will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Cowboys centre Jaxon Purdue has scored five tries in his last six NRL appearances.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.