The Newcastle Knights host the North Queensland Cowboys at Hunter Stadium on Monday night to close out Round 15, with action kicking off at 7:00pm (AEST)
The last time these two sides met was in Round 5, a match which saw the Cowboys run out a convincing 28-2 victory at home.
The Knights 17 point loss to the Roosters in the last round continued their horror 2014 season with their current losing streak stretching to seven matches.
In the Knights favour for Monday’s clash will be their home ground advantage, particularly as the Cowboys have yet to record a victory away from home this season.
The Knights will receive a boost on Monday night through the return of Origin stars Darius Boyd and Beau Scott. Joey Leilua has also been named to return at centre.
In a bid to turnaround their woeful form, Coach Wayne Bennett has shifted Kurt Gidley to the halves, relegating halfback Tyrone Roberts to the bench.
The Cowboys continued their inconsistent 2014 season, going down to the Eels in their last match. Despite welcoming back Johnathan Thurston and James Tamou from Origin this week.
They were dealt two massive blows on Wednesday night with Matt Scott ruled out for six weeks after fracturing his cheekbone. Even worse news for centre Brent Tate who ruptured his ACL, with the injury potentially career ending.
Johnathan Thurston was in the thick of the action in Game 2, and will be inspired to make amends for the Queensland loss.
We can expect a strong showing from the Knights who will be eager to put on a good performance in front of their home crowd, but with the Cowboys desperate to stay in check with the top eight, a rare win away from home is certainly on the cards.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the Knights vs Cowboys clash from 7:00pm (AEST) on Monday.
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