The Cowboys will be hoping a return to their home patch in Townsville can bring about a change of fortune as they seek to climb out of the cellar and into finals contention.
Four of North Queensland's five wins in 2023 have come at Queensland Country Bank Stadium and they'll need every ounce of energy the Cowboys faithful can muster as they embark on a three-week stretch that includes games against the Storm, Panthers and Rabbitohs.
Despite sitting 16th with a 5-8 record, the Cowboys are just four points outside the top eight, and if they can rediscover anything like their 2022 form in the second half of the season, they are capable of making a late run for September.
The Storm have won three of their past four matches and banked four points from two byes to share the top rung on the ladder on 18 competition points with the Panthers, Sharks and Broncos.
Of those four sides, the Storm have by far the worst points differential and they'll need their much-vaunted attack to hit top gear if they are to keep pace with the leading pack.
Plenty of water has gone under the bridge since these sides clashed in the 2017 grand final, but the presence of so many Maroons Origin stars and internationals should ensure a cracking contest.
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Team News
Cowboys: In a late change, winger Murray Taulagi will back up from Origin duty and start the game wearing jumper 24, with Kyle Feldt dropping out to be the 18th player. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki who was originally named in 18 drops out. Earlier in the week, coach Todd Payten has confirmed Maroons Origin duo Valentine Holmes (No.22) and Reuben Cotter (No.23) would back up. Jason Taumalolo (knee) dropped out of the squad on Saturday so Jake Granville retains his spot at lock. Tom Dearden wasn't required as 18th Man for the Maroons and will be right to play.
Storm: There has been one change to the same 17 Craig Bellamy named earlier this week that downed the Dolphins in Round 12 with Nelson Asofa-Solomona dropping to the bench and Tui Kamikamica named to start. Origin stars Cameron Munster and Harry Grant set to back up, while back-rower Eliesa Katoa will play despite hurting his shoulder against the Dolphins. Tyran Wishart the 18th Man.
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Stat Attack
- Cowboys hooker Reece Robson leads the NRL in dummy half runs in 2023 with 75 and the Storm's Harry Grant is second with 72.
- The Cowboys have missed more tackles than any other team this season with 489. The Storm have missed 363 tackles.
- The Cowboys have won five from seven at Queensland Country Bank Stadium this season.
- The Storm have won 12 of their past 13 games against the Cowboys.
- The Cowboys have conceded 162 points in their past five games.
- Storm winger Will Warbrick has scored six tries in his past eight games.
- Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has scored five tries in his past three game
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the