NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Cowboys

Off the back of a bye in round 26 the Green Machine are set and raring to go, with the inclusion of a few unfamiliar faces set to give an insight to what the future holds for the club.

Nearly a year on from joining the club, exciting young halfback Coby Black will get his first taste of the NRL this Saturday night, earnt off the back of some impressive performances in the NSW Cup.

Joining Black on debut will be Malachi Smith, who’s versatility has earnt him a spot on the bench alongside Vena Patuki-Case, who is set for his second NRL appearance after debuting earlier in the season.

The inclusion of these three sees Ethan Sanders shift to the reserves, with Tom Starling and Daine Laurie rounding out the six-man bench.

Elsewhere, Noah Martin returns from a quad injury in place of Zac Hosking in the second row, as Morgan Smithies returns to the bench in place of Corey Horsburgh.

Finally, Josh Papalii will run out for his final game for the Green Machine, marking his 342nd appearance and bringing an end to his stellar career.

For the Cowboys, Griffin Neame and Jeremiah Nanai front a host of exclusions for the home side, with Cohen Hess and former Raider John Bateman starting in their absence.

With a finals birth secured for the Townsville based outfit, they will be eager to build upon their -24-10 win against the Tigers in round 26 and hit the ground running in week one.

Talking Points:

• Josh Papalii will play his 342nd and final game for the club.
• Coby Black and Malachi Smith will make their NRL debut’s.
• Vena Patuki-Case will bring up his second NRL appearance.
• Noah Martin returns for his first game since round 20.
• The Cowboys have won seven of their last eight games against the Raiders.

Last Time They Met:
The Raiders defeated the Cowboys 26-12 at GIO Stadium, Canberra, in round 13 this season.

“We’re representing the club, and we’ve got a special moment for Paps as well. Never take any game in the NRL lightly, you gotta compete every game.”

-          #336 Joe Tapine

Key Matchup: Noah Martin v Heilum Luki
Queensland Country Bank Stadium is set to host a belter on Saturday evening, as fans have the opportunity to witness the showdown between two of the league’s most exciting backrowers, with Noah Martin and Heilum Luki coming face-to-face.

Debuting in 2025, Martin has worked hard to become a staple within the lime green jersey in 2026, despite injury limiting his playing time throughout.

Off the back of his endless ticker on either side of the ball, Martin boasts a tackle efficiency of 95%, while averaging 75 running metres per game.

Returning from a quad injury this Saturday, Martin will be eager to cap off 2026 on a high and remind fans of what’s been missing over the last six weeks since his last appearance against the Rabbitohs in round 20.

On Saturday evening, Martin will chance his arm against Heilum Luki, another exciting edge forward who is not unfamiliar with working their way back from injury.

After suffering an ACL injury at the back end of 2024, Luki endured a long road back to the NRL after missing the entirety of the 2025 season.

Featuring in every game so far this season, Luki has produced some formidable numbers with a tackle efficiency of 94.8% and 105 average running metres.

Luki’s efforts this season have seen him cross the line on 11 occasions, as well as featuring amongst the Queensland Maroons squad throughout the Origin period.

Saturday’s showdown between the two workhorses is a terrific way to see out the final key matchup for 2026, one that will surely have fans on the edge of their seats.