The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will face the North Queensland Cowboys for the first time this year as they head to Townsville to play on Sunday evening.
With both teams coming off a bye after respective golden point matches, it is sure to be a fiercely competitive match as the sides battle to cement themselves in the top 8.
Both squads have key players featuring in Wednesday night’s State of Origin Decider and all eyes will be watching closely to see how they pull up post match.
Bulldogs Head Coach Cameron Ciraldo has called on Captain Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton and Reed Mahoney for the Townsville encounter, with the trio expected to link back up with the squad later this week once released from their respective Origin duties.
Injuries from the golden point victory over the Warriors in Round 18 have led to some adjustments in the lineup, with hard-working prop Max King (wrist) and back-rower Jaeman Salmon (jaw) ruled out for respective surgeries.
Josh Curran moves into the starting side as cover for King while Jacob Preston makes his return to the field, named to start in the second row.
Preston was sidelined after the King’s birthday clash against the Eels with a soft tissue foot injury and was given until after the bye to ensure a full and proper recovery. The 22-year-old is widely touted for his tough, all-in efforts and is a welcome addition back to the side for the Cowboys clash on Sunday.
Poasa Faamausili comes in on the interchange bench ready to add to his four NRL appearances for the Blue and White so far this season. Faamausili finished with 10 runs for 80 metres and 29 tackles in the weekend’s NSW Cup clash, clocking 58 minutes of solid game time. The 108kg prop will bring valuable cover for Sunday’s forward pack alongside Kurtis Morrin, Lipoi Hopoi and Bailey Hayward.