NRL 2016 season: Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys Round 4 preview, live streaming info, play-by-play updates and team lineup
The Brisbane Broncos will host the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 4 of the 2016 National Rugby League season, which is touted as a rematch from last year’s Grand Finals.
The Broncos will try to avenge their dramatic NRL Grand Final loss against the Cowboys last year, while North Queensland will be out to play and prove they are still the team to beat in this season. Brisbane will get help from winger Lachlan Maranta, who is expected to play his first game back from a broken wrist, reports the Courier Mail.
“Maranta trained strongly with the Broncos today and while he wasn’t expected back until next month, looks likely to earn a place in the grand final rematch at Suncorp Stadium,” the report disclosed.
With Maranta’s return, Broncos are expected to field a new-look backline at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, with Kiwi rugby player Jordan Kahu moving into the centres. On the other hand, the Cowboys will deploy the same set of lineup they have been using for the last eight weeks, sticking to coach Paul Green’s winning formula.
“We’re preparing to win regardless of where we play,” Green said of the much-anticipated Broncos vs Cowboys clash. “I think it will be a terrific atmosphere, a huge crowd and they’re the games you want to play in.”
Meanwhile, Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett secured an extension with the Broncos for another two-years, brushing off any thoughts of retirement from the 66-year-old. Bennett, who was expected to retire at the end of the 2017 season, clinched a $1.8 million extension that would keep him in Brisbane until 2019.
"I am personally very relaxed about it and so is Wayne and we will let people know in due course when it is finalised," Brisbane CEO Paul White said, reports the Brisbane Times. "It is imminent and should be formalised in a matter of weeks."
Brisbane Broncos lineup
Darius Boyd, Greg Eden, Jordan Kahu, James Roberts, Lachlan Maranta, Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Adam Blair, Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker Interchange: Jarrod Wallace, Sam Thaiday, Joe Ofahengaue, Kodi Nikorima Coach: Wayne Bennett
North Queensland Cowboys lineup
Lachlan Coote, Kyle Feldt, Justin O'Neill, Kane Linnett, Antonio Winterstein, Michael Morgan, Johnathan Thurston, Matthew Scott, Jake Granville, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Ethan Lowe, Jason Taumalolo Interchange: Rory Kostjasyn, John Asiata, Scott Bolton, Ben Hannant Coach: Paul Green
Live streaming info and play-by-play updates
Watch NRL 2016 season Round 4: Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys live via NRL Digital Pass . Play-by-play updates will be available during game time on Fox Sports AU.
