Cowboys v Broncos: Welcome back Cotter; Haas, Mam ruled out

The two teams go into their Queensland derby with two very similar objectives, with the Cowboys eyeing a possible top four finish, while the Broncos are clinging to hope they can climb back into the top eight.

While the North Queensland side are breathing easier, they still have a number of challenges to overcome and coach Todd Payten will be keen to see plenty of improvement from his side after they were pushed all the way be a 12-man Wests Tigers team last week.

Payten also lost his Mr Fix-It in the match, with utility Jake Granville suffering a suspected pec injury just after halftime. Forward Heilum Luki left the field for a HIA after a high tackle by Wests Tigers centre Justin Olam and did not return, which will likely see him miss this week.

However, co-captain Reuben Cotter should be ready for his return after a head knock in Round 21. 

For the Broncos, their heavy loss to the Titans was compounded by two crucial injuries, with key forward Payne Haas ruled out with a lisfranc injury in the opening minutes of the game. Five-eighth Ezra Mam joined him on the sidelines soon after with a syndesmosis injury. 

With their season hanging by the barest of threads, coach Kevin Walters will need to pull something from the fire to inspire his players if they are to avoid an ignominious slide from grand finalists last year to finishing outside the eight this season.