The Cowboys and Dragons meet in Round 7 with both effectively facing must-win scenarios if they are to remain in the hunt for the finals in 2023.
After each suffering close defeats in Round 6, both sides now find themselves four points adrift of the fourth-ranked Raiders and with three games to go probably can’t afford to drop another one.
North Queensland will rue a blown opportunity to pick up a third win in their maiden campaign, after being made to pay for a sluggish start against the previously winless Eels in a 16-12 loss, which saw them stage a comeback in vain with 11 minutes to play.
It was a case of déjà vu for the Dragons, who suffered their second one-point loss of the season last week against the Titans after a final minute field goal from Lauren Brown.
It was the third week in a row Jamie Soward’s side have gone down by a margin of four points or less and came despite fullback Teagan Berry’s spectacular four-try showing.
Missed tackles were again a major issue, with another 39 leaving them as the competition’s worst offenders in that category.
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Team News
Cowboys: No further game day changes after April Ngatupuna was promoted to the starting side and Makenzie Weale went to the bench in a swap 24 hours before kick-off. Lily Peacock has been added to the bench on with Jessikah Reeves dropping out. The absence of Libby Surha (shoulder) forces a reshuffle in the forward pack. Tiana Raftstrand-Smith moves to the edge, China Polata goes to lock and Sera Koroi returns to the interchange.
Dragons: Roxy Murdoch and Madison Mulhall came into the starting pack an hour before kick-off with Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa and Jamilee Bright going to the bench. Taylor Mapusua came in on the wing on Friday and Maddison Weatherall joined the 17. Cortez Te Pou and Kaarla Cowan dropped out of the squad and Macie Carlile went to 18th player. With Keele Browne (leg) out, Shenai Lendill moves to the centres. Renee Targett returns at hooker.
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Stat Attack
- Both sides have won two of their last five games this season after narrow defeats in Round 6.
- Dragons fullback Teagan Berry has scored nine tries in six matches in 2023.
- The Dragons are completing at 81 percent for the season while the Cowboys are at 75 percent.