Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League Magic Round clash between the New Zealand Warriors and North Queensland Cowboys.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
New Zealand Warriors Vs North Queensland Cowboys
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Date: Saturday 3 May, 5:30pm (AEST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Taine Tuaupiki 3. Rocco Berry 4. Ali Leiataua 5. Adam Pompey 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. Marata Niukore 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Leka Halasima 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Bunty Afoa 18. Tanner Stowers-Smith 20. Samuel Healey 21. Tanah Boyd 22. Eddie Ieremia 23. Edward Kosi
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess 18. Zac Laybutt 19. Karl Lawton 20. Kai O’Donnell 21. Kaiden Lahrs 22. Thomas Mikaele
Referee: Adam Gee
Bunker: Chris Butler
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
Game two of Magic Round Saturday kicks off at 5:30pm with the Warriors taking on the Cowboys. Both teams enjoyed Anzac Round wins last week, with the Warriors beating the Knights 26-12 in Christchurch and the Cowboys thumping the Titans 50-18 in Townsville.
For the Warriors, only one change to the 17 this week with Te Maire Martin joining the bench. He replaces Jacob Laban who is out with concussion.
The Warriors machine keeps rolling. Currently sitting in the top four, they’ve been the surprise packet of the season so far. Their spine have been influential, with Chanel Harris-Tavita and Luke Metcalf stringing multiple games together and building a good combination in the halves. Last week it was Wayde Egan who stood up, grabbing his second try of the year as he continues his impressive start to the season at hooker. They’ll be looking for more of the same for him against a Cowboys team they’ve had success against in recent times. They’ve won four of their past five games against the Cowboys. However, they’ve also lost six of their past seven games at Suncorp Stadium.
For the Cowboys, Todd Payten has made no changes to the 17 that beat the Titans last week. Harrison Edwards retains his place on the bench after being a late addition to the side last week.
A huge second half turnaround saw the Cowboys score 44 unanswered points last week against a shaky Titans defence, bringing up 50 points for the first time this year. After their bye in round 7, the Cowboys attack has found the scintillating form they’re known for. Standout performances from Tom Dearden and Scott Drinkwater will give the Cowboys plenty of confidence coming into a tough match-up with the Warriors at Magic Round. They’ll be looking to throw the ball around and get their outside backs into the contest early. If the weather permits, they’re on track for another high-scoring game.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Cowboys by 4 points.
Check out our Magic Round predictions here.
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