The anticipation is palpable as the North Queensland Cowboys prepare to face the Canberra Raiders in a crucial NRL round four clash on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. With the match set to kick off at 4:30 PM (QLD), both teams are eager to turn the tide in their favor.
The Cowboys, still searching for their first win of the season, come into this match under immense pressure. Head Coach Todd Payten has felt the heat after his team’s disappointing performances, particularly following their loss to the Brisbane Broncos last weekend. Despite showing promise in the first half against the Broncos, they ultimately fell short, leaving Payten with a sense of urgency to secure a victory against the Raiders. "We showed some signs of improvement last week, but we need to convert that into points," Payten stated, emphasizing the need for his players to refine their execution in crucial moments.
On the other hand, the Raiders are looking to bounce back after a heavy defeat to the Manly Sea Eagles, where they conceded 30 points in a devastating 16-minute span. The Raiders' coach, Ricky Stuart, will be hoping his team can learn from their mistakes and come out strong against the Cowboys. Star prop Joe Tapine returns to the lineup after serving a two-match suspension, providing a much-needed boost to the Raiders' forward pack. Tapine replaces Morgan Smithies, who has entered concussion protocols.
As the teams have finalized their rosters, the Cowboys have made some adjustments. Payten has reduced his squad to 19, dropping Harrison Edwards, Zac Laybutt, and Tom Duffy from the initial 22-man squad named earlier in the week. The Cowboys' lineup features notable players like Jason Taumalolo, who adds experience and strength to the pack, and Tom Dearden, who captains the side. The complete Cowboys team includes: Scott Drinkwater, Robert Derby, Jaxon Purdue, Viliami Vailea, Murray Taulagi, Tom Dearden (c), Jake Clifford, Jordan McLean, Reece Robson, Jason Taumalolo, John Bateman, Kai O’Donnell, Reuben Cotter (c), Sam McIntyre, Jeremiah Nanai, Griffin Neame, Coen Hess, Karl Lawton, and Tom Mikaele.
For the Raiders, the lineup features Kaeo Weekes, Savelio Tamale, Matthew Timoko, Sebastian Kris, Xavier Savage, Ethan Strange, Jamal Fogarty, Josh Papali’i, Tom Starling, Trey Mooney, Hudson Young, Matty Nicholson, Corey Horsburgh, Owen Pattie, Simi Sasagi, Ata Mariota, Jed Stuart, and Adam Cook. Notably, winger Xavier Savage will reach a milestone by making his 50th NRL appearance.
The history between these two teams adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup. The Cowboys have enjoyed a dominant record against the Raiders, winning their last six encounters. However, the Raiders will be determined to break this streak, especially considering they have only won one of their last five games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. The stakes are high, and both teams are aware that a victory could change the trajectory of their seasons.
Fans can expect an intense battle as both teams vie for supremacy. The Cowboys have struggled defensively, conceding a staggering 104 points in their first three games, which has put additional pressure on their coaching staff and players alike. The Raiders, despite their recent struggles, have the talent and experience to challenge the Cowboys, particularly with Tapine back in action.
As both teams take the field, the question on everyone's mind is whether the Cowboys can finally secure their first win of the season, or if the Raiders can rebound from their recent loss and assert their dominance. With the live blog providing real-time updates, scores, and analysis, fans will be glued to their screens as the action unfolds. Will the Cowboys find their footing, or will the Raiders rise to the occasion? One thing is for sure: this match promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Follow all the action live as we bring you the latest updates on this highly anticipated clash. The excitement is building, and the players are ready to give it their all on the field. Don’t miss a moment of the action!
