Roar Guru
The North Queensland Cowboys have finally developed some winning momentum but can ill-afford to slip up at home against the Newcastle Knights if they hope to make the finals. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.30pm AEST.
With results going their way last week, North Queensland now finds itself with a solid chance of making the top eight.
The Cowboys possess a positive points differential and will secure a place in the finals if they win their remaining three matches.
In that regard, finals football has come early for North Queensland as they host fellow finals contenders Newcastle tonight.
The Knights are entrenched in the top eight but are a win or two away from firmly securing their ticket to finals footy this September.
With plenty on the line for both clubs, expect tonight’s contest to be a tightly contested affair between two teams with plenty to play for.
Prediction
Although it’s taken a long while, the Cowboys are just starting to find their mojo in attack and will be difficult to beat at home.
When they possess momentum, North Queensland are one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the NRL, and recent victories over South Sydney, Penrith and the Gold Coast highlights that the Cowboys are finally playing their best.
Captain Johnathon Thurston has played very well for the Cowboys ever since leading Queensland to another series victory over NSW back in July.
When Thurston is playing with confidence, the Cowboys attack just seems to run more smoothly, and the home side will be hoping their star halfback once again leads the way tonight.
Newcastle however will be no pushover. The Knights played well against Melbourne last week and really troubled the Storm with their direct play up the middle, particularly in the first half.
If the Knights can simply replicate the intense performance they displayed in the first half against Melbourne, then the likes of Jarred Mullen, Darius Boyd and Kurt Gidley will make life very difficult for North Queensland.
With everything to play for, both teams really have no excuses if they fail to show up with their best form tonight.
While the Knights should certainly push the Cowboys away from home, Thurston’s form at the moment bodes well for another North Queensland victory.
Cowboys by 8