Cowboys v Raiders: Nanai no-go; Rapana ruled out

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.