Match Centre

Round 11: North Queensland v Newcastle preview

Cowboys return home to host struggling Knights

The 12th placed Cowboys host the 11th ranked Knights in a contest that's about as far removed from a traditional Thursday night blockbuster as you can get.

Although with both sides locked on eight competition points alongside three others including the eighth placed Raiders, the result for both clubs could be season-defining.

Both are last start losers but if post match press conferences are any gauge, then Todd Payton is in the more desirable shoes. Apart from a slow start, the Cowboys proved more than a match for the highly rated Roosters, while for Adam O'Brien, the Knights just simply stalled on the grid.

Widely tipped to tame the Tigers even after the late withdrawal of fullback Kalyn Ponga, Newcastle slumped to their third loss in four starts. Two late tries added some respectability, but it wasn't enough for a forlorn O'Brien who once again questioned his side's mental toughness.

With Manly, Parramatta and South Sydney set to follow, for Newcastle, this game takes on monumental significance.

And with Ponga still sidelined, O'Brien has surprisingly chosen a relatively unchanged line-up. An injured hamstring sees Hymel Hunt replaced on the wing by Brayden Musgrove in the only change following last week's loss in Brisbane.

Black Green's name on the extended bench is the calming influence the Knights need. While the makeshift pairing of Kurt Mann and Phoenix Crossland have shown glimpses of form, it's Green's structure and patience which the Knights have missed most.

As for North Queensland, they appear in far better shape and if not for a James Tedesco masterclass, the Cowboys may have run down the Roosters in Jason Taumalolo's 200th game. While it wasn't to be, with four of their pack topping 100 metres, Reece Robson and Scott Drinkwater once again showed their ability to ignite the Cowboys' attack.

This week they'll be without prop Coen Hess who failed his HIA with Tom Gilbert named to start in his place. In the only other change, second-rower Heilum Luki looks set to make his NRL debut off the bench.

Last meeting: Round 15 2020 - Knights 12 Cowboys 0

Who to watch: Since landing a new two year extension, Scott Drinkwater's game has risen to another level. With two tries and two linebreak assists, the running five-eighth was at his scheming best during Magic Round. And with a kicking game that's on the improve, Todd Payton looks to have backed a winner.

While not named in O'Brien's post match rant, you can bet David Klemmer will be primed to lead the Knights' charge. Averaging a healthy 165 metres a week, look for the former Origin prop to roll forward with renewed intensity in effort to lift his side's spirits.

The favourite: Having won five of the past seven against Newcastle, the Cowboys are tipped to continue the trend.

My tip: With the tough words of a frustrated coach, the Knights are on notice and with a trio of Origin weapons up front, the response should rattle Queensland's newest stadium. But talk is cheap, and on home turf the Cowboys should prove far too good. North Queensland by 14.