NRL Round 24 Preview - Cowboys v Eels @ 1300 Smiles Stadium

North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels @ 1300 Smiles Stadium
 
Preview - It could well be the battle of the Wooden Spoon as the Cowboys host the Eels in Townsville on Friday night. The Cowboys are in the shocking position of hosting Johnathan Thurston’s final match at home, sitting in last place and needing to beat the 15th placed Eels to avoid what would be a horrible Wooden Spoon for the Club. The Cowboys lost 28-16 to the Sharks last week, whilst the Eels battled hard but were well beaten 20-6 by the Melbourne Storm. 
 
North Queensland Cowboys’ Scouting Report - The Cowboys welcome back a couple of their big men with both Matt Scott and Jason Taumalolo returning from injury and suspension respectively.  Scott Bolton and John Asiata move back to the bench. 
 
Parramatta Eels’ Scouting Report - The Eels have lost perhaps their most consistent impact forward with Nathan Brown out. However, they do welcome back some cattle with forwards Kane Evans, Tim Mannah, and Cameron King all returning.
 
Verdict - Cowboys  1-6  

I will go for the Cowboys but with little conviction. You would think being Thurston’s final game in Townsville, a sell-out crowd will mean the home side will be fired up, and perhaps get the rub of the green with the officials given the occasion. Both these sides have actually played decent football over the past six weeks, so I'm expecting a good game here, and a close battle, but the Cowboys to inch over the line.