2019 NRL – Canberra Raiders vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Canberra Raiders vs North Queensland Cowboys taking place? Saturday 25th May, 06:00
Where is Canberra Raiders vs North Queensland Cowboys taking place? GIO Stadium
What channel is Canberra Raiders vs North Queensland Cowboys on?
UK – Sky Sports Mix
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream Canberra Raiders vs North Queensland Cowboys?
UK – Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via Sky Go
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Canberra Raiders vs North Queensland Cowboys?
Canberra Raiders – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500013
North Queensland Cowboys – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500012
THE TEAM NEWS
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Head Coach: Ricky Stuart
Starting 13: Nicoll-Klokstad, Simonsson, Croker, Cotric, Oldfield, Wighton, Williams, Papalii, Hodgson, Lui, Young, Whitehead, Sutton – Interchanges: Havili, Tapine, Soliola, Horsburgh – Reserves: Guler, Kris
Unavailable: John Bateman, Joey Leilua, Jordan Rapana
- Canberra lost back-to-back games for the first time this season as they lost a high-octane encounter with South Sydney Rabbitohs and will be eager to get back to winning ways sooner rather than later.
- The Raiders are short in the backs and will have another option moving forward with fullback Brad Abbey returning in the Canterbury Cup last weekend and he will be pushing for a first-team call-up over the coming rounds.
- In further good news for Canberra, Joe Tapine has overcome his recent injury troubles and will be hoping he can have a prolonged run in the side as he slots back in on the bench with Sebastian Kris the man who drops out.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Head Coach: Paul Green
Starting 13: Kahu, Feldt, O’Neill, Opacic, Gela-Mosby, Asiata, Morgan, Scott, Granville, McLean, Cooper, Hess, Taumalolo – Interchanges: Baptiste, Dunn, Bolton, Molo – Reserves: Wright, McGuire
Unavailable: Murray Taulagi, Nene Macdonald, Te Maire Martin, Ben Hampton
- North Queensland Cowboys have now won three of their last five matches following a gutsy win at home to Parramatta last week but they will need an improved performance to secure a win against Canberra.
- The Cowboys will be without Ben Hampton for at least three months after the utility man suffered ruptured biceps against the Eels and his place on the wing will be taken by Gideon Gela-Mosby.
- Josh McGuire is listed amongst the reserves following his recent injury and having made the trip to Canberra, he is expected to be a late inclusion in the side with one of Mitchell Dunn or Francis Molo likely to make way.
THE PREDICTION
Canberra pushed South Sydney Rabbitohs all the way last week but just fell short as they conceded a late try to lose their second successive game. They now host a North Queensland side that have improved recently but are still struggling in terms of performance. The Raiders have pushed both of their opponents very close in those losses and were also up against two of the best teams in the competition and with the Cowboys not posing as much of a threat, they should be able to get back to winning ways.
