Taumalolo expects derby fireworks All ready to rumble

COWBOYS powerhouse Jason Taumalolo has warned the Broncos he won’t be taking things lightly this weekend in the latest instalment of Queensland’s most gripping rugby league rivalry.

Both clubs may be sitting outside the top eight but the North Queensland skipper is expecting sparks to fly when the Cowboys host the Broncos in this weekend’s Queensland derby.

Ahead of the blockbuster clash, The Cairns Post and Kayo Sports are delving into the ecstasy and agony that has defined Queensland’s wildest rivalry, between the Broncos and Cowboys.

NRL fans can stream 10 of the best matches between the two teams in the lead-up to tomorrow night’s clash in Townsville.

Taumalolo, a Kayo ambassador, will play his second game back this weekend after suffering a broken hand last month and was confident he was up for the tough challenge.

The Tongan tearaway will have his eyes on Brisbane’s monster forwards Payne Haas and Tevita Pangai Jr but admitted he was also wary of their reinvigorated halves combination between Anthony Milford and Tyson Gamble.

“They’re a team that can come to life and even though they haven’t been playing too well, we know what they’re capable of,” Taumalolo said.

“They have players like Milford, who has come back into form and rallied his troops really well last weekend.

“Tyson Gamble did well too so they’re always going to be a threat. We’re not taking these guys lightly.

“They’re going to come up and it’s a Queensland derby so both teams are going to be up for it.

“It’s one of those games where anything can happen.”

The Broncos have named an unchanged line-up from their victorious side over the Titans last weekend while the Cowboys will see youngster Jake Clifford pitchforked into the halfback role for the injured Ben Hampton.

It will be the 55th time these two sides battle it out, with Brisbane eyeing off a third straight win in Townsville for the first time since 2011.

Taumalolo – who has been involved in 25 Queensland derbies – likened it to a City vs Country clash.

“It’s one of the games in our draw I always look forward to,” he said.

“The rivalry started a while back but it’s still going strong this far in.

It’s like a city vs country match. Brisbane is like the big city and then you’ve got all the little country towns up here.

“I’ve embraced it a lot over the years because you know it’s always going to be a good game and it’s always going to be tough. Going into the game, I’m always excited because the atmosphere always great.

“After the game when you wake up though, that’s probably the hardest thing about the rivalry because you’re so sore.” is