Broncos v Cowboys preview - 2017 Round 2

v BYE at

Another classic encounter looms between two Queensland rivals.

The Broncos opened their 2017 campaign with a solid 26-18 victory over the Sharks. Although it was not anything overly special, their 85% completion rate will please coach Wayne Bennett, who has named largely the same side as last week with Benji Marshall replacing David Mead on the extended bench. In addition to claiming the two points and bragging rights in the Queensland derby, the Broncos will be looking for retribution on Friday night seeing that it was the Cowboys who ended their season in dramatic fashion with an extra-time victory in last year's Semi-Final, not to mention their 2015 Grand Final loss.

The Cowboys had a similarly tense finish in their Round 1 win last weekend when they downed the Raiders 20-16 in bizarre fashion, with a Jonathan Thurston field goal hitting the upright only to hold up in goal and be grounded by Gavin Cooper. Their chances of victory on Friday night were boosted by the inclusion of winger Antonio Winterstein replacing Javid Bowen in Paul Green's starting seventeen. Although Brisbane were led well by their new lock Josh McGuire in last week's game, North Queensland wrecking ball Jason Taumalolo was even more impressive in his opening round performance, setting the bar for the rest of the Cowboys forward pack with a whopping 295 running metres. You would think that whichever forward pack dominates Friday's proceedings will go a long way to deciding this one, and therefore, it is even more important that Brisbane's pack attempts to nullify the barging Taumalolo.

Last meeting: Semi Finals 2016 - Cowboys 26 Broncos 20

Who to watch: For the home side, if his forwards are able to lay a dominant platform, Anthony Milford's Round 1 form suggests that his performance could dictate Friday night's result. Milford scored a try, set up another and made two line breaks in Brisbane's victory last week and was a standout in his side's last meeting with the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, slotting the game winning field goal. If Brisbane are to emerge victorious on Friday night Milford will need to build upon last round's success.

However, for the Cowboys, the involvement of fullback Lachlan Coote could also prove pivotal. Although Jonathan Thurston is an obvious match winner for the home side, Coote's role in the team is just as important, particularly in attack. Coote had a solid hit out in Round 1, crossing for a try and making one line break in the process. In saying this, Coote's defence will also need to improve as the Cowboys No. 1 missed four tackles from eight in last week's victory. This is even more critical when you consider that he is lining up against one of the best in the game in Darius Boyd.

The favourite: The bookies can barely split them with the Broncos only slight favourites, most likely based on their home ground advantage.

My tip: One thing is for sure - this game will be close. Yet the Cowboys seem to have the slight edge up front. You can lock in another Golden Point try to seal it for the Cowboys. Cowboys by 4.

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Tautau Moga 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Korbin Sims 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh Mcguire 14. Alex Glenn 15. Tevita Pangai 16. Herman Essese 17. Jai Arrow

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matthew Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. Scott Bolton 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Ben Hampton 15. John Asiata 16. Coen Hess 17. Patrick Kaufusi

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Michael Wise; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea;