Both teams suffered heavy losses last round and will be looking to make amends when the Cowboys host the Raiders in Townsville.
After winning their past three game in a row, North Queensland were handed a 42-18 defeat at the hands of the Queensland derby rivals the Broncos last week, with the visitors showing much more urgency and intent as they fought to keep their finals hopes alive.
The Cowboys are still clinging to their spot in the top eight and have dropped to to seventh, but have a hungry horde to teams chasing behind them and will not want to give up another game.
One of those teams is the Raiders who are slipping further away from posting back-to-back finals appearances and last week were outclassed by the Sea Eagles, going down 46-24.
The Cowboys have been hit by injury in recent weeks and are set to be without second rower Jeremiah Nanai for this clash after he was ruled out at half-time of the Broncos game after a HIA.
The Raiders too have their own concerns with winger Jordan Rapana leaving the field in the 25th minute after a head knock and was later ruled out for the remainder of the contest. However, young gun Chevy Stewart is due for a return and could help out in the backline.
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Team News
Cowboys: Veteran halfback Chad Townsend has been dropped to the reserves list, replaced in the No.7 by Jake Clifford, whose last appearance in the top grade was in Round 17 when he played five-eighth in the win over Penrith. Jeremiah Nanai will miss the game after suffering a head knock against the Broncos so Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will start the game and Thiomas Mikaele joins the bench. No changes when the side was finalised 60 minutes before kick-off, with Tom Chester the 18th man.
Raiders: Ata Mariota will start in the front-row in a swap with Josh Papali'i, who moves back to the bench for his 301st NRL match. The loss of Jordan Rapana (head knock) means a backline reshuffle is required with Seb Kris going to the wing, Ethan Strange to centre and Adam Cook coming in at five-eighth. Danny Levi and Emre Guler have been added to the bench. Albert Hopoate is 18th man.
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Stat Attack
- The Cowboys have won their last five games against the Raiders.
- Raiders winger Xavier Savage has scored three tries in his past four games.
- Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has scored five tries in his past three games.
- The Raiders have won only two of their past eight away games.
- Cowboys five-eighth Tom Dearden will play his 100th NRL game.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,