Cowboys v Dragons: Star signings Kahu and Norman take centre stage

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 16 Mar 2019, 06:37 PM

A new era dawns for the Cowboys with Johnathan Thurston's retirement.

Thurston is essentially irreplaceable but Cowboys coach Paul Green will lean heavily on Michael Morgan and put his faith in Te Maire Martin and Jake Clifford to fill the void.

Matt Scott's presence can't be underestimated after his 2018 campaign was derailed by injury, while the arrival of ex-Broncos enforcer Josh McGuire should have the desired effect.

The Dragons were in the hunt for the minor premiership all season before finishing seventh - one of four teams on 32 points.

They only had themselves to blame for blowing it against the Rabbitohs in week two of the finals and coach Paul McGregor is hoping the arrival of Corey Norman from the Eels will provide important depth in the halves.

Round 1 - Round 1 - Saturday 16 Mar

Full Time

Cowboys

Dragons

Venue: 1300SMILES Stadium, Townsville

Highlights Latest

The Rundown

Team News

Cowboys: Star recruit Josh McGuire has been promoted to the starting side an hour before kick-off with Gavin Cooper switching to the bench. Ben Hampton and Enari Tuala were the last two men omitted. Cooper has scored a try in his past nine NRL games and is looking to extend his own record out to 10 consecutive games. Jake Clifford and Gideon Gela-Mosby were omitted from the extended squad on Friday night.

Dragons: The Dragons are 1-17 with Zac Lomax and Josh Kerr dropping out an hour before kick-off. Winger Mikaele Ravalawa will become the 218th player to make his club debut. Corey Norman (#219) will start at five-eighth. The Dragons have won their past three games against the Cowboys. Reece Robson and Jonus Pearson were omitted 24 hours before kick-off

Round 1 - Round 1 - Saturday 16 Mar

Full Time

Cowboys

Dragons

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Jordan Kahu

Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Gareth Widdop
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Nene Macdonald

Winger for Dragons is number 2 Jordan Pereira
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Justin O'Neill

Centre for Dragons is number 3 Euan Aitken
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Tom Opacic

Centre for Dragons is number 4 Tim Lafai
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Javid Bowen

Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mikaele Ravalawa
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Te Maire Martin

Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Corey Norman
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Michael Morgan

Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben Hunt

Forwards

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Matthew Scott

Prop for Dragons is number 8 James Graham
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Jake Granville

Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Cameron McInnes
Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jordan McLean

Prop for Dragons is number 10 Paul Vaughan
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Coen Hess

2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Jacob Host
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 15 Josh McGuire

2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Tariq Sims
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Jason Taumalolo

Lock for Dragons is number 13 Tyson Frizell

Interchange

Interchange for Cowboys is number 11 Gavin Cooper

Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Jeremy Latimore
Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 John Asiata

Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Matt Dufty
Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Mitchell Dunn

Interchange for Dragons is number 16 Blake Lawrie
Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Francis Molo

Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Luciano Leilua

Match Officials

Referee: Ben Cummins
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Touch Judge: Nick Morel
Touch Judge: Todd Smith
Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy

Last updated: 5/29/2023 4:42:33 AM

Key match-up

Gareth Widdop v Jordan Kahu: Neither of these men was a fullback last year but each now finds themselves as a first-choice No.1. In Widdop's case it's due to the club recruiting Corey Norman, with Matt Dufty still pressing for a chance. Widdop has played there before, including for England, but will need to make sure his fitness and work under the high ball is up to scratch. Kahu has also been a Test fullback for New Zealand but not so often at club level, where he has largely played wing and centre. He has a chance at a new club due to Ben Barba's sacking but it is his ball-playing ability that will need to get up to speed quickly.

For the Cowboys to win

Michael Morgan needs to grab this team by the scruff of the neck and drag them into the post-JT era. Just as the great man Thurston did on countless occasions the new skipper will look to inspire by his actions as the Cowboys look to right the wrongs of 2018. If Morgan takes control and plays like he did during the 2017 grand final charge then his team mates will get on board and the home fans will rise.

For the Dragons to win

The Red V need to put their off-season drama behind them and channel the spirit that wiped Brisbane out in week one of the finals and took them within an ace of upsetting Souths. This is one proud club and they’ll need every bit of that renowned fighting spirit if they are to prevail in enemy territory. Tariq Sims was unstoppable in that Suncorp Stadium demolition last September and he needs to lead the forward charge.

And another thing

All the Euan Aitken critics out there need to take a chill pill. He's a damn fine player, who was on the verge of State of Origin selection last year. Big and strong, he can be a difference maker for St George Illawarra in 2019.

Brett Kimmorley says ...

The Cowboys have probably got the best forward pack in the competition. We didn't see much of Matt Scott and Jordan McLean last year and Jason Taumalolo moving to an edge will probably keep him fresher for late in games. The Dragons also boast a very strong pack – I can't wait to watch these middle forwards sort each other out. I think the signing of Corey Norman will be huge for the Dragons. This will be close.
Cowboys by 2

Cowboys Stat Attack

The JT effect will be felt in full force by North Queensland if the numbers are anything to go by. Despite the Cowboys being in contention for the wooden spoon until late in the year, Thurston ranked first in the NRL for line engaged runs (142 for the year at almost six per game), try assists (23) and line break assists (24). Michael Morgan produced career-best form when Thurston was absent for their 2017 grand final run, and will need to get back to his best quick smart in his return from injury.

Dragons Stat Attack

St George Illawarra exploded out of the blocks last season, holding top spot on the ladder for the first 11 rounds on the back of some terrific attack. They led the league for tackle breaks in 2018 and ranked fourth for points across the entire season behind Souths and the two grand finalists. The Cowboys will have their work cut out of them to contain the Red V on Saturday.