Tigers v Cowboys preview

Wests Tigers v North Queensland Cowboys
Campbelltown Stadium - Saturday 7:30pm

Can the Cowboys overcome losing both their halves to origin, or will the Tigers prevail?

The Tigers were unlucky to not get a win against the Knights last weekend. The difference between the two sides wasn't as great as the 10 point margin would suggest. Having said that, Robbie Farah's men have been all over the shop for most of the season, failing to put back to back wins together since round 2.

The Cowboys, on the other hand, come into this game on the back of 7 straight wins, but as we've seen in previous years the representative season causes previous form to all but fly out the window.

If anyone has been affected by Origin selection in key positions this week, the Cowboys are it. Going into this game without their regular halves and front row, the men from North Queensland are really in for a battle. Matt Scott and James Tamou provide the vast majority of the Cowboys go forward, and allow their smaller men the room to move. This week, they'll be providing that go forward in Blue and Maroon jerseys instead. Not only that, the Cowboys' best player Jonathan Thurston, and his little mate Michael Morgan, were both named for the Maroons.

Sam Hoare has been named at prop, and will partner Ben Hannant in the front row. The vacant halfback position will be filled by Ray Thompson, while coach Paul Green is yet to name a replacement for Michael Morgan. It's likely Lachlan Coote will get the gig. Rory Kostjasyn, Glenn Hall and Kelepi Tanginoa fill the bench for the Cowboys.

The Tigers are also affected by Origin, with prop Aaron Woods and hooker Robbie Farah both named for the Blues, however their young halves have remained intact. It will be a big test for Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses, as well as fullback James Tedesco, with all the responsibility for the Tigers attack going through them.

Last meeting: Round 22 2014 - North Queensland Cowboys 64 Wests Tigers 6

Who to watch: Cowboys coach Paul Green is yet to name a replacement for Michael Morgan, but it's likely Lachlan Coote will make the move into the halves. If he doesn't, the battle between the fullbacks will be brillant. Both young, both explosive, both in great form, James Tedesco and Lachlan Coote are vital to their team's chances.

Tedesco has 6 try assists for the season already - a stat on par with many of the best playmakers in the competition. Not only that, he's scored 8 tries himself, proving his attacking worth to the Tigers. Coote has been no slouch in the attacking department either, despite many experts thinking 5/8 is his best position. He has also been strong defensively this season.

The favourite: If this game was played a week ago, the bets would have gone the other way - but origin duties have meant the Tigers will start the game heavy favourites.

My tip: The loss of both halves for the Cowboys will be way too much for them to handle. The Tigers have a couple of blokes out, namely Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods, but the direction of Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses, coupled with the experience of Pat Richards, should be enough to see them home. Tigers by 8.

1. James Tedesco 2. Kevin Naiqama 3. David Nofoaluma 4. Chris Lawrence 5. Pat Richards 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Dene Halatau 10. Keith Galloway 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Kyle Lovett 13. Martin Taupau
Interchange: 14. Ava Seumanufagai 15. Jack Buchanan 16. Sauaso Sue 17. Delouise Hoeter 18. Brenden Santi 20. Joel Luani

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Matthew Wright 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan* 7. Ray Thompson 8. Ben Hannant 9. Jake Granville 10. Sam Hoare 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. John Asiata
Interchange: 14. Rory Kostjasyn 15. Glenn Hall 16. Ben Spina 17. Kelepi Tanginoa

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Gavin Morris; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Kasey Badger; Video Referees: Shayne Hayne, Luke Phillips;

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