LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
In a crucial match-up, the North Queensland Cowboys will be traveling to Sydney to face off against the Penrith Panthers in the final round of the regular season.
According to cowboys.com.au, there are five key things that fans need to know about this Round 27 clash.
Firstly, the Cowboys are in a must-win situation if they want to keep their finals hopes alive.
Currently sitting in ninth place, they need a victory against the Panthers to have any chance of playing in the finals.
It's a do-or-die situation for the team.
In order for the Cowboys to qualify for the top eight, they not only have to win against Penrith, but they also need either South Sydney or Canberra to lose their respective matches.
This adds an extra layer of pressure to the Cowboys' performance on Saturday evening.
The Cowboys will be relying on their star players to step up in this crucial match.
Players like Jason Taumalolo, Michael Morgan, and Valentine Holmes will need to be at their best in order to secure a victory for the team.
On the other hand, the Panthers have already secured their spot in the finals and will be looking to finish the regular season on a high note.
They have been in impressive form throughout the season and will provide a tough challenge for the Cowboys.
Despite the odds being stacked against them, the Cowboys have a strong record against the Panthers in recent years.
In fact, they have won their last three encounters against Penrith, which will give them some confidence heading into this match.
Lastly, the Cowboys will be boosted by the return of some key players from injury.
Players like Jordan McLean and John Asiata are set to make their comeback in this crucial clash, which will provide a much-needed boost to the team's depth.
Overall, this Round 27 clash between the Cowboys and the Panthers is shaping up to be a thrilling and high-stakes encounter.
With the Cowboys needing a victory to keep their finals hopes alive, and the Panthers looking to finish the regular season strong, both teams will be giving it their all on the field.
It's set to be a game filled with intense action and excitement for rugby league fans.