- NRL Round 16 Match Preview: Roosters vs Cowboys
The Sydney Roosters are coming off a morale-boosting victory over the Newcastle Knights, a result that has reignited their season and quieted some critics. That narrow 12-8 win featured a controversial but decisive late try by Siua Wong. While some skeptics questioned the ruling, the Roosters showed grit and resilience, staying competitive throughout and making their opportunities count, especially in the dying moments of the game.
Now, they shift their focus to the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 16, aiming to consolidate their position in the top eight and continue their push toward finals football. A victory here would not only secure valuable competition points but also reinforce their reputation as a legitimate contender this season.
The Cowboys, on the other hand, are licking their wounds after enduring one of their worst home defeats in club history. They were thoroughly outclassed by the Dolphins, conceding 10 tries in a humiliating 58-4 loss. Compounding their troubles, they lost key forward Jason Taumalolo in the warm-up due to a calf injury, throwing their game plan into disarray from the outset. The Cowboys looked completely out of sync and will need to regroup quickly if they are to bounce back from such a demoralizing result.
Coach Todd Payten will be desperate for a strong response from his squad, particularly as they aim to stay in touch with the top eight. Despite their recent slump, the Cowboys remain just outside the finals positions, currently sitting in 10th place, and a win over the Roosters could reignite their campaign.
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Match Details
Match: Roosters vs Cowboys
Round: 16
Date: Sunday, 22nd June 2025
Time: 7:05 AM (AEST)
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Broadcast: WatchNRL
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Team News & Line-Ups
Roosters
Sydney have named several of their State of Origin representatives to back up, assuming they come through Game Two unscathed. Maroons reps Robert Toia and Lindsay Collins, along with Blues stars Connor Watson, Angus Crichton, and Spencer Leniu, are all listed to play.
Toia’s return pushes Mark Nawaqanitawase out to the wing, filling the void left by Dom Young, who has departed to the Knights. In the forward pack, Siua Wong, Naufahu Whyte, and Salesi Foketi retain their spots. Meanwhile, Victor Radley and Egan Butcher are both ruled out due to concussion protocols. Makahesi Makatoa and Taylor Losalu move to the reserves.
Cowboys
North Queensland will be buoyed by the return of Viliami Vailea, who comes back from suspension, pushing Braidon Burns to the reserves. John Bateman also returns after a one-game ban, adding some steel to the back row.
Four of their Origin stars—Tom Dearden, Reece Robson, Jeremiah Nanai, and Reuben Cotter—have been named and are expected to play. However, Jason Taumalolo is again sidelined due to a recurring calf injury. As a result, Harrison Edwards and Sam McIntyre, who started last week, move to the bench, while Kaiden Lahrs and Tom Duffy drop out of the 17.
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Confirmed Team Line-Ups
Roosters Starting Line-up
Fullback: James Tedesco
Wingers: Daniel Tupou, Mark Nawaqanitawase
Centres: Billy Smith, Robert Toia
Halves: Sandon Smith (5/8), Hugo Savala (Halfback)
Props: Lindsay Collins, Naufahu Whyte
Hooker: Connor Watson
Second Rowers: Angus Crichton, Siua Wong
Lock: Salesi Foketi
Interchange: Benaiah Ioelu, Zach Dockar-Clay, Blake Steep, Spencer Leniu
Reserves: Ethan King, Makahesi Makatoa, Tom Rodwell, Taylor Losalu, Chad Townsend, Xavier Va’a, Jake Elliott
Cowboys Starting Line-up
Fullback: Scott Drinkwater
Wingers: Robert Derby, Murray Taulagi
Centres: Zac Laybutt, Viliami Vailea
Halves: Jaxon Purdue (5/8), Tom Dearden (Halfback)
Props: Jordan McLean, Coen Hess
Hooker: Reece Robson
Second Rowers: John Bateman, Jeremiah Nanai
Lock: Reuben Cotter
Interchange: Harrison Edwards, Sam McIntyre, Griffin Neame, Thomas Mikaele
Reserves: Jake Clifford, Karl Lawton, Kai O’Donnell, Kaiden Lahrs, Braidon Burns, Thomas Duffy, Marly Bitungane
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Ins and Outs
Roosters Inclusions:
Angus Crichton
Chad Townsend
Connor Watson
Jake Elliott
Lindsay Collins
Robert Toia
Spencer Leniu
Tom Rodwell
Xavier Va’a
Roosters Outs:
Dominic Young
Egan Butcher
Victor Radley
Cowboys Inclusions:
Jeremiah Nanai
John Bateman
Reece Robson
Reuben Cotter
Tom Dearden
Viliami Vailea
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Stat Highlights & Key Insights
The Roosters have only managed one win from their last five games at Allianz Stadium, signaling potential vulnerability at home.
The Cowboys have beaten the Roosters in their two most recent encounters, giving them a psychological edge heading into the match.
Star fullback James Tedesco has a strong record at Allianz, scoring 11 tries in his last 13 appearances there.
Cowboys hooker Reece Robson also enjoys facing the Roosters, having notched four tries in six games against them.
In-form Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has bagged nine tries in his past 10 matches, showcasing his finishing ability.
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Final Word
This Round 16 clash between the Roosters and Cowboys promises to be an intense affair, with both sides needing a win for different reasons. The Roosters are looking to prove their consistency and silence doubters, while the Cowboys are desperate to respond after last week’s disastrous performance and keep their finals hopes alive.
With several Origin players expected to back up and key inclusions returning from suspension and injury, the match should be tightly contested. The Roosters will be counting on their experienced spine and home crowd, while the Cowboys will be looking for redemption and a statement performance.
Kick-off is set for Sunday morning at Allianz Stadium — expect fireworks
