5 things you need to know: Cowboys v Eels

1. HAPPY HUNTING GROUND

The Cowboys have nothing but fond memories of TIO Stadium with North Queensland's two previous trips to Darwin resulting in resounding victories.

Club legend Matt Bowen produced a masterclass in the Cowboys' first venture north, bagging a double in a 50-12 thumping of the Roosters in 2012.

In what would be his final game in Cowboys colours in the 2017 season, Johnathan Thurston produced a mesmerising three-try assist performance in a 32-6 Cowboys romp over the Eels.

2. LEVEL PEGGING

North Queensland and Parramatta have met 40 times since the Cowboys joined the competition in the 1995 season.

The Eels hold a one-game 19 to 18 lead in the head-to-head match up, with the sides also playing out three draws.

After a slow start, the Cowboys have dominated the match-up in recent seasons, winning nine out of the previous 12 clashes between the two sides.

3. SLOW START

Both the Cowboys and Eels have endured a tough first half of the 2018 season.

North Queensland sit 14th through 13 rounds, but come into the Eels clash on the back of one of their best performances of the season in a 26-12 victory over Manly.

Parramatta sit last on the competition ladder, having won just two of their first 13 games this season.

4. WAIT AND SEE

North Queensland's three State of Origin reps will travel straight to Darwin from Melbourne and are all hopeful of suiting up against Parramatta.

Queensland stars Michael Morgan, Gavin Cooper and Coen Hess were all named in Paul Green's starting side to face the Eels, but will be assessed by the Cowboys medical staff upon arrival in Darwin after a typically torrid series opener against NSW on Wednesday night.

5. MILESTONE APPROACHING

The Cowboys will be searching for win number 250 as a club when they run on to TIO Stadium on Saturday night.