VENUE & TIME: Energy Australia Stadium, Saturday August 23, 7.30pm AEST
COVERAGE: FOX Sports 2
LAST TIME: Newcastle Knights 30-18 North Queensland Cowboys, at Dairy Farmers Stadium, round 14, 2008.
WALKING WOUNDED: The Knights enter the Round 24 clash injury free but while the worst of the Cowboys' injury woes are behind them, the men from North Queensland still have their share of wounded players. Fortunately for Ian Millward, Kangaroos halfback Johnathan Thurston is back on deck for the second straight week after a long stint on the sidelines through injury. Star fullback Matt Bowen (knee), Jacob Lillyman (shoulder) Justin Smith (shoulder) and Matthew Bartlett (shoulder) are unlikely to play a part in the remainder of the campaign as the Cowboys desperately try to avoid the wooden spoon.
FORM: The Knights appeared to be hitting their straps at the right time of the season with three comprehensive victories on the trot heading into last week's encounter with the Raiders. But Newcastle's previously water-tight defence - which allowed just 12 points in each of their three previous clashes - was badly exposed against the rampant Raiders who prevailed 38-18 to leave the Knights two points adrift of the top eight in 10th spot. North Queensland's stay in the winner's circle was short-lived as they fell to the Titans at home in an entertaining encounter. With the exception of Luke O'Donnell, the Cowboys pack needs to pick up the intensity if they are to keep pace with the unsung Knights engine room.
WHO'S HOT: Difficult to find a place for players from either team in this category based on last week's efforts. Luke O'Donnell may not quite be on fire but he deserves special mention as he was the only Cowboys forward who threatened the line against the Titans.
WE THINK: Whenever Johnathan Thurston is on the field the Cowboys are a chance but with the lure of the finals to play for the Knights should get home in a close one on the back of a dominant display up-front. Knights by six.
TEAMS:
Knights: 1. Kurt Gidley, 2. James McManus, 3. Junior Sau, 4. Adam MacDougall, 5. Wes Naiqama, 6. Jarrod Mullen, 7. Scott Dureau, 8. Daniel Tolar, 9. Danny Buderus (c), 10. Ben Cross, 11. Steve Simpson, 12. Cory Paterson, 13. Matt Hilder
Interchange: 14. Chris Bailey, 15. Jesse Royal, 16. Richard Fa'aoso, 17. Danny Wicks, 18. Mark Taufua.
Cowboys: 1. Ashley Graham, 2. Ty Williams, 3. Mark Henry, 4. Ben Harris, 5. John Williams, 6. Travis Burns, 7. Johnathan Thurston, 8. Carl Webb, 9. Aaron Payne, 10. Shane Tronc, 11. Luke O'Donnell, 12. Sione Faumuina, 13. Steve Southern
Interchange: 14. Ben Farrar, 15. Dayne Weston, 16. Ben Vaeau, 17. Ray Cashmere, 18. Matt Scott.