“We’ve got a little bit to work on”, says Madge “We had a little bit of sickness go through the team this week.” At half time, he said: “We spoke about the things I know we are capable of.”
Paddy Carrigan said: “We obviously started fast….a little bit disappointed defensively…….what’s going to be required to win finals games in the next few weeks is a bit more than that”.
“Reecey — over the last couple of months, his maturity around the game has changed” said Madge.
Two tries (Gehamat Shibasaki and Kotoni Staggs) in the first ten minutes as well as a Cowboys sin binning (Braidon Burns) had the Broncos off to a flyer, but conceding the next three tries to the Cowboys suggests the concentration lapsed. In the space of 2 minutes however, the Broncos delivered two more tries through Josiah Karapani and Reece Walsh just before half-time, giving the Broncos some momentum back into the half-time break.
Three more tries in the second half through Shibasaki’s second, Billy Walters and Payne Haas was enough despite conceding two more Cowboys tries in the second half.
Karapani’s 196 run metres (including 2 line breaks) with Shibasaki’s three line breaks and a sprinkling of Reece Walsh magic (5 line break assists and two try assists as well as his own 5-pointer) were major contributors to a crucial win, after the Warriors tripped up on Friday night, leaving the door wide open for a Broncos Top 4 finish.
Kotoni Staggs with 69 post contact metres proved a handful, but defensively Billy Walters and Ben Hunt didn’t have their best game, missing 11 tackles between them as well as five ineffective tackles.
Now the big finale against the Storm at Suncorp. Will the Storm be determined to win, or will their playoff preparations take priority, resting key players?
It’s a must-win for the Broncos, the Warriors will be all out to beat the Sea Eagles after their disaster against the Eels, if both the Broncos and the Warriors lose then Madge’s boys will be in the 4, but lose momentum when it counts.
A massive week of preparation before taking on the 2nd placed Storm.
Published 31-August-2025
Broncos Eye Crucial Win Against Cowboys as Finals Hopes Hinge on Round 26 Clash
Published 29-August-2025
A dominant “w” last week in Newcastle, sets the Broncos up for a huge Round 26 clash with the Cowboys tomorrow night at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The Cowboys can only inflict damage on their Queensland rivals, as they lie 13th.
Adam Reynolds is named in the extended squad despite having re-injured his hamstring on Thursday at training, having not played since Round 23 against the Storm.
Reynolds feels he will be ready for the playoffs, though getting on the field against the Cowboys looks less likely. Madge Maguire would be very unlikely to risk Reynolds in a game the Broncos should win without him.
Brendan Piakura comes back into the interchange and Jock Madden joins the reserves along with Reynolds and Delouise Hoeter.
If the Broncos can win their last two games, including the regular season finale at home to the 2nd placed, Storm, they could still make the top 4. The Warriors currently in 4th would need to slip up tonight at home against the Eels or away to the Sea Eagles next Friday; the Broncos play the Storm next Thursday; and the Warriors play the Sea Eagles next Friday; so it may go down to the wire if the Broncos can win in Townsville.
Across the park, the Cowboys’ starting pack remains sturdy and unchanged—an indication of their coach Todd Payten’s confidence in a settled group.
The refereeing team for Saturday includes Ashley Klein at the whistle, with Drew Oultram and Chris Sutton on the touchlines, and Chris Butler as the senior review official.
Key Match Facts
- The Broncos bring a five-game winning streak against the Cowboys into this clash.
- Cowboys second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has been a thorn in Brisbane’s side, scoring six tries in his last six outings against them.
- The in-form Kotoni Staggs continues to pose a serious threat—he’s crossed for five tries across his last four matches.
- For North Queensland, this game marks a personal milestone for lock Reuben Cotter, as he prepares to notch up his 100th NRL appearance.
Stats & Matchups to Watch
- Head-to-head dominance: Brisbane has won each of the last five encounters against North Queensland, including a 26–16 victory in Round 3 this season at Suncorp Stadium. The Broncos have had the edge in recent Queensland derbies, with strong second-half efforts proving decisive.
- Strike players: Kotoni Staggs (Broncos) is in top attacking form, crossing for five tries in his last four matches. His strength and acceleration on the right edge continue to trouble defensive lines. Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys) has a proven ability to find the line against Brisbane, having scored six tries in his last six games against the Broncos. His timing off short balls and aerial threat make him a key danger man.
- Middle-third battle: The engine room will be vital, with Payne Haas averaging 67.5 post-contact metres per game and ranking among the NRL’s leaders in dominant carries. Teammate Patrick Carrigan has amassed over 3,300 running metres this season, making him one of the most consistent metre-eaters in the comp. They’ll face a determined Cowboys pack led by Jason Taumalolo and Reuben Cotter, whose 100th game brings added motivation.
- Halves and control: With Adam Reynolds still named in the reserves as he recovers from a hamstring injury, the playmaking duties may again fall to Ezra Mam and Billy Walters. Their ability to guide the team around the park, especially under pressure, could be tested in a hostile Townsville environment.
- Milestone moment: Reuben Cotter will notch up his 100th NRL game in front of a home crowd—a major achievement for the hard-working lock and a potential emotional lift for the Cowboys in their final home game of the season.
Expect a gritty, physical battle where momentum could swing early depending on composure and execution. If Brisbane’s seasoned campaigners impose pressure early, they’ll likely navigate Reynolds’ absence. But if Nanai and the Cowboys can unsettle the Broncos pack, it might get tight before halftime.
Kick-off is at 7:35pm AEST on Saturday, 30 August. The match will be broadcast live on Fox League and Kayo Sports.
