After claiming an upset win over the Roosters in Magic Round, the Cowboys are back at home and looking to take down another top eight team in the Rabbitohs.<\/p>\n
The team from North Queensland dug deep to earn their win, overcoming the loss of a player – twice – to the sin bin, to still defend stoutly despite being down to 12 men for 20 minutes of the match.<\/p>\n
Also missing their co-captain Tom Dearden with injury last week, they will be without fellow skipper Reuben Cotter as well this week, away on Origin duty for the Maroons.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Bunnies, who last week lost in their Round 11 clash against the Dolphins, will also be without their captain Cameron Murray, who will be in camp preparing to represent the New South Wales Blues.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Coach Wayne Bennett lamented his side’s inconsistency, saying the team struggled to build on their strong wins to post back-to-back winning performances.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Team News<\/p>\n
Cowboys: Jason Taumalolo returns after a Magic Round rest to start at lock with Reuben Cotter in Maroons camp. Robert Derby comes in on the wing for Braidon Burns (hamstring). Last week’s debutants Liam Sutton and Xavier Kerrisk retain their spots while Viliami Vailea and Kai O’Donnell are the new faces on the interchange. O’Donnell returns after missing a week through an ankle injury.<\/p>\n
Rabbitohs:\u00a0A number of changes in the backline with tryscoring machine Alex Johnston back from a knee injury while Latrell Mitchell (back) and Campbell Graham (calf are sidelined due to injury. Tallis Duncan moves to the centres alongside Latrell Siegwalt while Talanoa Penitani comes in on the wing for his NRL debut. Peter Mamouzelos earns a recall at hooker after two games in NSW Cup. Adam Elliott starts in the back row with Cameron Murray on Origin duty. Jamie Humphreys has been named to return from a knee injury on the bench alongside Liam Le Blanc and Thomas Fletcher while Ed Kosi drops to the interchange after starting last week.<\/p>\n
Stat Attack<\/p>\n
The Cowboys have won their last three games against the Rabbitohs.
\nThe Rabbitohs are undefeated in two games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
\nCowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater has scored six tries in his last seven games.
\nRabbitoh Matt Dufty will make his 100th NRL appearance.
\nCowboys coach Todd Payten will coach his 150th NRL game.<\/p>\n