The Cowboys have been earmarked as a dark horse for the premiership after it was revealed they have the best record against top eight teams this season and have the most Origin players.
The Cowboys have won 70 per cent of their games against top eight teams in 2024 just ahead of the Sea Eagles on 67 per cent.
James Hooper believes the Cowboys are finding form and timing their run to perfection after a big win over the Bulldogs to clinch a home final.
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“They made a statement against the Bulldogs where they just dominated from Reuben Cotter to Heilum Luki to that electric backline,” Hooper said on NRL 360.
“When you have got Scott Drinkwater, Tom Dearden and those style of attacking players in your backline you are able to create points.
“They have also got a hard working and relatively unsung forward pack. I think Newcastle are right up against it this weekend.”
The Daily Telegraph’s Dean Ritchie believes the Cowboys will run over the top of the Knights on their home turf in Townsville.
“I think the Knights will have a crack and play for each other, but I think they will be fodder up there,” Ritchie said.
“I think if they get in a mood the Cowboys and we have seen it a few times, they will run roughshod. Luki, Nanai, Cotter, Taumalolo, the Knights won’t be able to go with them.”
Braith Anasta warned the Knights’ weaknesses have been masked by the brilliance of Kalyn Ponga, who might not be enough to pull off an upset on the road.
“I’m worried about the Knights this week,” Anasta said.
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“It was a big game for them last week and if you break it down that first half they weren’t great.
“Kalyn had some big plays and he was sensational on the day, but if it wasn’t for him I think they don’t win.
“They are playing a lot better team, away from home, who are in form. If they don’t start well I’m concerned.”
Gorden Tallis noted the impact the Origin period would have had on the Cowboys and the fact they had so many representatives could be a good omen for a run at the title.
“They had to get through Origin and they had six Origin players from memory,” Tallis said.
“The side that has the most Origin players usually wins the competition with the best defence.
“I think they are the dark horse of the competition. They’ve got through and all those players will rise.
“They have been sitting there. They haven’t been consistent. They have leaked points, but they have improved and their best game beats the top eight teams.
“They have won the most against the top eight sides. I think this is the challenge that they want and it starts on Saturday night.”
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The Cowboys have been inconsistent, but Anasta sees signs they are peaking at the right time.
“Their attack’s been really good all year, but it was their defence that was on the improve, which they’ve had to for the finals if they are to be any chance,” Anasta said.
“And it was their middle forwards. Their middle forwards were big, powerful and really dominated. So it seems like they’ve got it right, right in time.”
One of the biggest changes in the Cowboys team in recent weeks is Payten’s big decision to replace veteran and former skipper Chad Townsend with Jake Clifford at halfback.
Hooper believes the reborn playmaker could be a big factor in the outcome of the game.
“Jake Clifford, who’s come in as a halfback for the last three games,” Hooper said.
“Now, Todd Payten, that’s a brave decision to axe a senior playmaker in Chad Townsend, who had been there for so long.
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“Jake Clifford went to Newcastle and had a couple of unhappy seasons there and ultimately ended his NRL career for a couple of years and he had to go over to Hull KR.
“Now he’s back and he has really found the keys to lighting up this side.
“So as much as all the hype’s been about Ponga, going back up to Townsville to ruin, once upon a time, his club’s finals aspirations, I think Clifford can have a big say.”
However, Anasta warned if the Cowboys fail to show up as they have been guilty of at times this season, Ponga and the Knights can make them pay.
“I do want to give Newcastle some hope though because they have been inconsistent this year the Cowboys, and if they’re off and Ponga’s on, Newcastle, they definitely have a chance,” Anasta concluded.
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