The North Queensland Cowboys have a lot to play for in their home clash with the Melbourne Storm, but coach Todd Payten is not taking their under-strength opponents lightly. The Storm have made 11 changes to the side that wrapped up the minor premiership last week, while keeping big guns Ryan Papenhuyzen and Cameron Munster in the team for Thursday night's clash in Townsville.
The Cowboys welcome back 2015 premiership-winning prop Jason Taumalolo from a fractured cheek and Queensland second-rower Jeremiah Nanai from concussion protocols. Payten made it clear Melbourne were a great club, no matter the personnel in the side, ahead of a clash that has massive finals implications for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys are in sixth position on 32 points, one ahead of Manly. A win over the Storm will go a long way towards securing a home final. "We spoke as a group that who is playing for them is irrelevant," Payten said. "They are sitting three wins clear at the top of the competition after 26 rounds and have played the bulk of the season without Munster and Papenhuyzen. They are going to pay the physical toll to get a win, as they have for a number of years, so it doesn't matter who is playing.
"What the Storm have done over a long period of time is that when they are perceived to be on the back foot, their more senior players step up. It is about what we do and what we are playing for and making sure we are playing our type of footy moving into September."
The Storm have rested the bulk of their top squad for the match, mostly because they have secured top spot and the fixture was scheduled just five days after their 48-6 win over the Dolphins. Payten said he would have done the same thing if he was in the Storm's position.
Storm trio Keagan Russell-Smith, Tristan Powell and Ativalu Lisati are listed to make their NRL debuts from the bench. Payten said Nanai was a key inclusion after missing a week with concussion and then enjoying a further week off to recover with last round's bye. Taumalolo last played in the round-21 win over Cronulla when he fractured his cheek. "Jase was able to run in all but one of those weeks he had out and hasn't lost a lot of condition," Payten said. "Both of those guys make us a better team. Jase is great through the middle and a calming influence. Jeremiah is a steady body on that right edge and makes the guys feel safer and more comfortable with how they defend around him."
Storm Rest Players for Cowboys Clash
The Melbourne Storm have made a significant decision to rest several of their key players for their Round 26 clash with the North Queensland Cowboys. This decision comes after the Storm secured the minor premiership last week and with the match scheduled just five days after their dominant 48-6 win over the Dolphins.
While the Storm will be without several of their star players, including several who have been rested, coach Craig Bellamy has still named a strong side that includes experienced players like Ryan Papenhuyzen and Cameron Munster. This indicates that the Storm are still keen to finish the regular season on a high, despite having already secured top spot on the ladder.
Cowboys Eyeing Home Final
The North Queensland Cowboys are currently in sixth position on the ladder, just one point ahead of Manly. A win over the Storm would significantly improve their chances of securing a home final in the upcoming playoffs. The Cowboys are looking to build momentum heading into the finals, and a victory over the Storm, even with their rested players, would be a huge boost to their confidence.
Key Players to Watch
The Cowboys will be looking to their key players, such as Jason Taumalolo and Jeremiah Nanai, to lead the charge against the Storm. Taumalolo, who is returning from a fractured cheek, is a dominant force in the middle and will be eager to make his presence felt. Nanai is also a key player on the right edge and will be looking to make an impact after missing a week with concussion.
The Storm will be relying on the experience of Ryan Papenhuyzen and Cameron Munster to guide their team to victory. Papenhuyzen is a dangerous attacking weapon and Munster is a master playmaker. If these two players can perform well, the Storm will have a good chance of winning the match.
The Importance of the Match
This match is crucial for both the Cowboys and the Storm. The Cowboys need to win to secure a home final and the Storm want to finish the regular season strong. This clash will be a test of both teams' resilience and determination, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.
A Tale of Two Teams
The Cowboys and the Storm are two of the most successful teams in the NRL in recent years. The Cowboys have been a consistent force in the competition, while the Storm have been a dominant force for over a decade. This match will be a clash of two great teams, and it will be a battle for supremacy in the NRL.
The Final Whistle
The Cowboys and the Storm will be looking to make a statement in this match. The Cowboys will be looking to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs, while the Storm will be looking to show that they are still the team to beat in the NRL. This match will be a thrilling encounter, and it will be one that fans won't want to miss.
