XXXX things you need to know: Round 6 v Eels

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys travel to Sydney to face the Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium on Saturday evening.

1. ON THE ROAD AGAIN

The Cowboys have played at home just twice in the opening five rounds and are preparing to tackle consecutive away games again the next fortnight. Following Saturday’s clash with the Eels, North Queensland travel to Sydney again in Round 7 to face the Sharks.

2. BREAKING THE DUCK

The Cowboys and Eels have split the previous four meetings two wins apiece, with both teams winning their home fixtures in 2023. North Queensland are seeking their first victory at Parramatta’s new home ground, although the Cowboys have only visited the venue twice since its opening in 2019. North Queensland trail in the overall match-up 24-22.

3. TOMMY TIME

Home-grown super utility Tom Chester has been given first crack at the right centre spot opened up by the season-ending injury to Zac Laybutt. Chester has already lodged one appearance at the position this season, running for 151 metres in the Round 3 victory over the Dragons. The remainder of Todd Payten’s 17 remains the same from the Round 5 triumph over the Titans.

4. STATS UPDATE

Valentine Holmes has extended his lead atop the NRL’s point-scoring leaderboard with 54 points through five rounds. Chad Townsend is the only player with the NRL with multiple field goals, with his strike in Round 5 giving him three for the season. Scott Drinkwater’s 27 tackles breaks are tied for third in the NRL, he also leads the competition with 12 offloads and sits third with 100 runs. Townsend’s six try assists trail only Ben Hunt’s eight. Reece Robson ranks fifth with 196 tackles.