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North Queensland Cowboys v Newcastle Knights Saturday 5:30pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville / Wulgurukaba

Aidan looks at the upcoming meeting between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Newcastle Knights.

High flying Cowboys do battle with the Knights up north

Newcastle suffered a major upset in the first Australian game of the 2024 NRL season. Playing at home in front of a near sold out crowd, The Knights had no answers for a defiant Raiders side who claimed a 28-12 victory.

They went into half time down by two, but very soft defence led to Canberra putting on 20 points in the second half. With poor discipline and uninspiring attack, we got a glimpse of the Knights team that started last year - not the one that ended it.

The script couldn't be any more different for North Queensland. Travelling down to Brisbane for a blockbuster clash against The Dolphins. Bookies were split, and it was set to be a close affair that could go either way.

From the second minute, The Cowboys dominated, playing expansive football which shot The Dolphins edges to pieces. They never looked like slowing down, and eventually ran away 43-18 winners. The polar opposite starts to the season for North Queensland and Newcastle, creates an intriguing matchup in Townsville.

In team news, The Cowboys have named an unchanged 17, as Tom Jenkins replaces the injured Enari Tuala on the wing for The Knights.  Kai Pearce-Paul has been promoted to a starting spot, due to concussion protocol for Dylan Lucas. Former Rabbitoh Jed Cartwright comes in to take the final bench spot.

Last meeting: Round 8 2023 - Cowboys 18 Knights 16

Who to watch: Centre Zac Laybutt was arguably North Queensland's best last week, bagging a try assist and scoring twice (I won't comment on the last try). He was impressive in the few chances he got last year, and with a starting spot locked down, he'll be wanting to build consistent, dominant performances.

Only 22, Cowboys 5/8 Tom Dearden looks like fine wine - he just gets better with age. Though Dearden crossed for a 4-pointer last week, I was more impressed with his ball running and ability to linkup with Scott Drinkwater. If he can continue these positive signs in attack, it'll cause many headaches for opposing teams.

Perhaps the only blight on North Queensland's performance was the two tries they conceded inside the first 31 minutes - both to forwards on their own try line. This is particularly worrying when you consider Newcastle possess Tyson Frizell, one of the best line runners in the comp. After a try scoring effort last week, Frizell will be looking to exploit this weakness.

2023 Dally M medallist and star fullback, Kalyn Ponga, was quiet last week. After a Tyson Gamble try he set up was disallowed, he struggled to find attacking spark and was far below his best. Still, with a line break and 190 run meters, Ponga certainly showed glimpses of the talent we all know he has. Be on the lookout for an electrifying bounce-back game from Kalyn.

Favourite: The North Queensland Cowboys are clear favourites for a home victory.

My tip:  I'm currently one from three in my League Unlimited tipping - and by picking the underdog - my record is at risk of getting even worse. Call me crazy, but I have a feeling Newcastle will surprise some people. Knights by 4.

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 19. Thomas Mikaele

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jack Cogger 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Jed Cartwright 18. Brodie Jones

Referee: Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Belinda Sharpe, Michael Wise; Video Referee: Liam Kennedy