Queensland fans will have their loyalty tested this week and a passionate bunch of people will be yelling for one another's blood to be spilt on the field. It is going to be a very exciting game up in Townsville as the Cowboys are at home to the Broncos in the second Saturday night semi final. The Broncos have always been the "big brother" to the Cowboys but in recent years, the Cowboys are starting to emerge from their shadow. They are relying heavily on the likes of Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen to get them through the tough clashes but now they are being supported by some representative players around them. Then there are other players who are playing over and above what is expected of them and it when they are all clicking on the same level, they are a very dangerous side to face in a game. It is also a very daunting task to go up to Townsville and beat the Cowboys, especially considering that this game will be sold out. Yet that is what lies ahead of the Broncos. This is a side that was looking very good early on this season and looming as though they would give this competition a real shake. Then they went on a horrid run of games where they were unable to produce a win despite the amount of energy and effort they applied. Things were certainly getting very frustrating for their squad but coach Anthony Griffin was adamant that he was not going to quit on his side and he is clearly along for the ride with them. But this is semi final football now and other NRL sides will not tolerate a dismal performance, they will put you away and move onto the next week. The Broncos certainly have the class of player within their side but are seemingly lacking direction around the field, mainly due to Peter Wallace and Corey Norman. A lot of people are quick to judge Wallace and his play but at the end of the day, he is playing in a side that was once Darren Lockyer's. A side that knew their job like the back of their hand and were lead into to battle by Lockyer at every turn. He is not there now and a lot of pressure has fallen on Wallace. In all seriousness though, some of the blame has to also be placed on other senior members of this side that have far greater accolades in the representative arena. Unfortuantely, this does not win you games and you still need to get the job done on game day. The Cowboys-Broncos rivalry is always a great game to watch but the feeling within this contest is amplified by the fact that it is now "sudden death" football and there is no chance of playing next week, it's next season. The first elimination game is sure to be great viewing for all and fans of rugby league will be rewarded if they watch this game. Fingers crossed and maybe punters can get a win as well!
North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys turned in a very impressive display when they took on the Sharks down at Toyota Stadium. They were firing on all cylinders and sent out a warning to other sides within the Top 8 that they are a team that is to be respected. There is only a few changes from that side which was always going to happen. Matt Scott was a late withdrawal from that game and his place was taken by Ashton Sims in the starting side and Joel Riethmuller on the bench. Riethmuller has been named on the extended bench along with Sims. Anthony Mitchell was also a late withdrawal from that game and the utility spot was filled by James Segeyaro. Both have been named but after the dominating display from Segeyaro, you would expect that Mitchell may be left out along with Riethmuller. The positive thing for the Cowboys now is that they have a squad that has formed some exciting combinations. Thurston and Bowen are sharing their roles within the side well and they know when to inject themselves into the game. Their jobs are also being made easier by the room that is created by the forwards with each carry they have. They're an intimidating and sizeable pack that will not shy away from a tough contest. This only allows Thurston and Bowen more room to move and give the ball to the outside backs. Just when you think they might lose momentum, they go to their bench. The Cowboys are at their best when they are playing a fast paced game and it helps them when the intensity can be maintained by the fresh players coming into the game.
Brisbane Broncos
The Broncos returned to the winner circle after a much needed victory over the Panthers last week at home to the Panthers. It wasn't the most convincing performance but it did get them over the line and into the semi finals for 2012. At the end of the day, you have to be there to be a chance of winning the competition. Yes, they were limping towards the finals and they are going to be punished with a tough task ahead of them if they are to survive into Week 2. They have been playing well in most area's but have been out of luck for majority of their recent contests. Then again, the good sides make their own luck. Coach Anthony Griffin has been chopping and changing his side in recent week in search of answer but none have come up. Therefore he has stuck with the same squad that had gotten the job done over the Panthers. More importantly, the halves pairing of Norman and Wallace have remained. Both of these guys are going to need to be high on confidence to produce their best performance. They will also need a good platform set for them by the forwards. Big Petero is retiring at the seasons end and he will be giving it his all but perhaps this is where they are most vulnerable as younger players are missing out who are sure to be more mobile around the middle of the park. Either way, all players for the Broncos will have to be at their best to get a win over the Cowboys here. If they can get their act together, they could be a handful for the Cowboys because their backs posses speed and great finishing ability. This just goes to waste unless they have the ball.
Recent History
Overall = Cowboys 7 - Draw 2 - Broncos 24
Last 5 games = Cowboys 3 - Broncos 2
At Diary Farmers Stadium = Cowboys 3 - Draw 1 - Broncos 14
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Cowboys $1.43 Broncos $2.85
Centrebet = Cowboys $1.47 Broncos $2.75
Sportsbet = Cowboys $1.45 Broncos $2.85
Betfair = Cowboys $1.47 Broncos $3.05
Sportingbet = Cowboys $1.47 Broncos $2.75
Verdict
You cannot dodge the elephant in the room. The Broncos are a side on the slide and the Cowboys are a team that is on the rise. Add in the fact that the Cowboys have sold out their home ground and the Broncos will certainly have a battle on their hands. They posses a stronger pack of forwards and will be better for their victory over the Sharks on Sunday, all be it that it is a very short turn around for them. The Broncos look like a tired side still searching for answers and that is not a side that I want to invest my money on at this stage of the season.
Suggested Bet
Cowboys @ $1.47
Semi final football = Cowboys @ $2.75 - Semi final football generally produce close contests but games between these sides are also always close. Emotions will be high and with the stakes high, no side will be willing to give up their shot at the premiership without a fight.
Graham's-a-payin' = Ashley Graham First Try Scorer @ $9 - Since returning from injury, this guy has quickly returned to his try scoring best. There is no reason why he cannot get another "First Try" in this game. Thurston is always looking to see where this guy is on the field.
Good luck!
Scooby
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