NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Cowboys

The Raiders will be looking to bounce back for a victory in front of a home crowd after their 30-22 loss against the Dolphins last Thursday.

For the Green Machine, the team list has had a few changes after Jayden Brailey was ruled out with concussion, which will see Daine Laurie replace him in lock.

Ata Mariota and Jed Stuart will start the match on the interchange after being in the starting 13 last weekend and rookie Jordan Uta will retain his spot on the six-man interchange bench after his debut last week. 

For the Cowboys, they are going into this match in the winner’s circle after their 30-18 win against the Rabbitohs last Sunday.

For their team, they have kept a relatively unchanged squad with captain Reuben Cotter set to back up from Origin, which will see Jason Taumalolo back in prop and winger Murray Taulagi comes back into the lineup following concussion protocols.

Meanwhile, Raiders stars Hudson Young and Ethan Strange are expected to back up from their Origin duties for this Sunday's showdown.

Talking points:

• Raiders second-rower Hudson Young will play his 150th NRL game
• The Raiders have not defeated the Cowboys at GIO Stadium since 2018
• The Cowboys have won their last four away games
• Cowboys prop Thomas Mikaele will play his 100th NRL game

Last time they met

The Cowboys won 30-20 against the Raiders in Round four in Townsville.

Key Matchup: Kaeo Weekes v Scott Drinkwater

While State of Origin takes centre stage this week, a showdown between two of the games most exciting and highlight reel fullbacks won’t be far behind, as Kaeo Weekes and Scott Drinkwater come face-to-face for the round 13 key matchup.

Over the past few seasons in lime green, Weekes has become one of the Raiders most reliable members, consistently creating attacking opportunities from anywhere on the field.

In 2026, Weekes leads the Raiders as highest try scorer, a feat that has been earnt through a combination of individual brilliance and endless support play.

On Sunday afternoon in the Nation’s capital, Weekes will line up against veteran fullback, Scott Drinkwater.

When the Cowboys are performing well, you can almost guarantee that Drinkwater has had something to do with it, leading the league in line break assists and closely following for try assists.

Drinkwater posses an ability to often create something out of nothing, notably by placing the Cowboys in attacking field position off the back his 40/20’s, a threat that will have the Raiders back three on high alert.

Fans are sure to be treated to a scintillating display of speed and attacking prowess on Sunday afternoon, as both Weekes and Drinkwater aim to guide their teams through an Origin effected period.