XXXX things you need to know: Round 12 v Tigers

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys host the Wests Tigers at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Friday night.

1. HUGE OCCASION

Round 12 is Indigenous Round across the NRL. A number of Cowboys players, including Reuben Cotter and Scott Drinkwater will wear boots painted by students from NRL Cowboys House to mark the occasion. Cowboys legend and proud Indigenous man Matt Bowen will lead the Cowboys on to Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Friday.

2. FELDT A CHANCE

Todd Payten has named an identical 22-man squad for the clash with the Wests Tigers. Veteran winger Kyle Feldt remains a chance to return from an ankle injury after being named in the reserves. Braidon Burns, who scored on Cowboys' debut deputising for Feldt, has been named on the wing.

3. TIGER TAMING

The Cowboys have enjoyed mixed fortunes against the Tigers in recent seasons, winning three of the previous five encounters. The two teams split the two fixtures last season in high scoring affairs, with North Queensland claiming a 74-nil win at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Round 18. The Tigers hold a 24-20 lead in the overall match-up.

4. DOUBLE THE ACTION

Cowboys fans will be treated to a rare Queensland Cup curtain raiser on Friday afternoon. Cowboys feeder club, the Northern Pride, who are flying high in third place, take on Broncos feeder club South Logan from 3.05pm. While the final make-up of the Pride team is yet to be locked in, Cowboys contracted players Tom Chester, Tom Duffy, Harrison Edwards, Kaiden Lahrs and Emarly Bitungane are confirmed starters.