Both refreshed off a bye, the Cowboys and Warriors will be looking to continue their recent run of form when they meet in Townsville on Saturday.
Having both strung together consecutive wins after struggling to put teams away earlier in the year, the two sides will be desperate to keep in touch of the top eight as they approach the second half of the season.
Following a Round 13 bye the Warriors welcome back six frontline stars who bring over 800 games of NRL experience.
Meanwhile, after orchestrating an impressive victory over the Roosters on Sunday, North Queensland's depth could once again be tested with six of their stars featuring in the State of Origin series opener three days earlier.
Having now made it three straight, coach Todd Payten will be desperate to continue on their upward trajectory, however face a tough task against a Warriors side who welcome back their only Origin representative Mitch Barnett from camp ahead of the clash.
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Team News
Cowboys:
Murray Taulagi (shoulder) and Reece Robson (neck) were ruled out on Friday morning by the Cowboys, but the club's other Origin players have been named play. Valentine Holmes replaces Jaxson Purdue in the centres, while Tom Dearden will start at five-eighth and Reuben Cotter at prop. Strike second-rower Jeremiah Nanai will play from the interchange bench. Jordan McLean was also ruled out on Friday night with a calf injury. Purdue joins Nanai, Jason Taumalolo and Sam McIntyre on the bench, with Jake Clifford the 18th man.
Warriors:
Coach Andrew Webster confirmed on Wednesday that fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (illness), hooker Wayde Egan (head knock), centre Rocco Berry (hand), prop Addin Fonua-Blake (stood down) and back-rowers Kurt Capewell (calf) and Tohu Harris (wrist) would return in a huge boost for the side. Harris will make his return from the interchange in a late swap with Dylan Walker, who starts at lock. Freddy Lussick joins Harris, Capewell and Jazz Tevaga on the bench, with fullback Taine Tuaupiki named as 18th man.
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Stat Attack
- The Cowboys have scored 88 points in their past three games.
- The Warriors have won five of their past seven games against the Cowboys.
- Cowboys second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has scored five tries in his past three games at QCB
Stadium. - Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya has scored four tries in three games at QCB Stadium.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.