NRL 2026, North Queensland Cowboys, Gold Coast Titans, round 3, preview, official team lists, injuries, updates, Fantasy

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 21 Mar 2026, 10:11 PM

The Cowboys and Titans are both chasing their first win of the season when they face off in a Queensland derby in the final game of Multicultural Round on Sunday evening.

Gold Coast looked destined to defeat the Dolphins last weekend before a late surge consigned Josh Hannay's side to a second-straight loss to start the year.

There were plenty of promising signs, however, and a young backline continues to develop.

The Cowboys also showed glimpses of brilliance in a loss to the Wests Tigers and return home for their first game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium this year following trips to Las Vegas and Leichhardt.

Halfback Tom Dearden is one of the best playmakers in the game and will be looking to dissect the Titans defence with his astute running and kicking games.

Tom Chester and Heilum Luki will also continue to develop after returning from lengthy injury lay offs and should hit the ground running in Townsville.

Matches between the Titans and Cowboys have delivered some tight finishes over the years and another thriller is on the cards on Sunday night.

Round 3 - Round 3 - Sunday 22 Mar

Full Time

Cowboys

Titans

Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Highlights Latest

Team News

Cowboys: One change to the interchange in Saturday's 24-hour update, with Matthew Lodge coming into the six-man bench in place of Harrison Graham. Inspirational skipper Reuben Cotter is straight back into the starting side after missing last week's loss to the Tigers due to family reasons. Cotter's return will see Kai O'Donnell shift to the bench and Matt Lodge to the reserves. Zac Laybutt is also in the mix for his first game of the season after serving a suspension picked up in the Pre-Season Challenge.

Titans: Jayden Campbell is set to return from a hamstring injury in a major boost for new coach Josh Hannay. The playmaker has been named on the six-man bench but could come into the starting side closer to kick off. AJ Brimson and Lachlan Ilias are currently listed in the halves, but Campbell's return could prompt a reshuffle. No changes in Saturday's team update, with Josh Patston remaining in the extended squad as 20th man.

Round 3 - Round 3 - Sunday 22 Mar

Full Time

Cowboys

Titans

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater

Fullback for Titans is number 1 Keano Kini
Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Braidon Burns

Winger for Titans is number 2 Sialetili Faeamani
Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Jaxon Purdue

Centre for Titans is number 3 Jojo Fifita
Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Tom Chester

Centre for Titans is number 4 Max Feagai
Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Murray Taulagi

Winger for Titans is number 5 Phillip Sami
Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Jake Clifford

Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 AJ Brimson
Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Tom Dearden

Halfback for Titans is number 19 Jayden Campbell

Forwards

Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jason Taumalolo

Prop for Titans is number 8 Moeaki Fotuaika
Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reed Mahoney

Hooker for Titans is number 9 Sam Verrills
Prop for Cowboys is number 16 Griffin Neame

Prop for Titans is number 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Heilum Luki

2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Arama Hau
2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Sam McIntyre

2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Beau Fermor
Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben Cotter

Lock for Titans is number 13 Chris Randall

Interchange

Interchange for Cowboys is number 8 Coen Hess

Interchange for Titans is number 14 Kurtis Morrin
Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Soni Luke

Interchange for Titans is number 15 Tukimihia Simpkins
Interchange for Cowboys is number 20 Kaiden Lahrs

Interchange for Titans is number 16 Klese Haas
Interchange for Cowboys is number 21 Matthew Lodge

Interchange for Titans is number 17 Cooper Bai

Reserves

Replacement for Titans is number 7 Lachlan Ilias
Reserve for Cowboys is number 15 Kai O'Donnell

Reserve for Titans is number 22 Josh Patston
Reserve for Cowboys is number 18 Zac Laybutt

Match Officials

Referee: Peter Gough
Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy

Last updated: 3/30/2026 5:58:24 AM

Stat Attack

The Cowboys scored 80 points in two wins against the Titans in 2025.
The Titans have won only once in seven attempts at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi has scored a try in his last three games against the Titans.
Titans lock Chris Randall will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Cowboys centre Jaxon Purdue has scored five tries in his last six NRL appearances.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.