The Cowboys have everything to play for after a disappointing start to their 2023 campaign, sitting 2-5 after seven games.
Todd Payten’s side were dangerous in 2022 but have looked fragile in defence so far this season, conceding 153 points.
$10 million man Jason Taumalolo has also been sidelined with a knee injury, joining Heilum Luki, James Tamou and Griffin Neame in the casualty ward.
MATCH CENTRE: North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights live scores, teams
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Meanwhile, the Knights are coming off a golden point loss to the reigning premiers, being downed by a pair of Nathan Cleary field goals.
Newcastle were valiant in defeat and stuck it to the one of the NRL’s elite teams and will be hoping to replicate that performance again.
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