XXXX thing you need to know: Round 22 v Tigers

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys travel to Sydney to face the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday night.

1. OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

With star middle forwards Reuben Cotter and Jason Taumalolo sidelined through injury, Todd Payten will look to other members of his forward rotation for extra minutes on Thursday. Sam McIntyre and Tom Mikaele have been named to start, while Griffin Neame and Harrison Edwards will likely take on expanded roles.

2. HELLO AGAIN

The Cowboys and Tigers met earlier this season, with North Queensland securing a 42-28 victory at home. The Cowboys have won four of their previous five games against the Tigers, although will have to overcome a difficult record at Leichhardt Oval to claim victory on Thursday. The Cowboys have won just two of 11 matches at the Tigers’ spiritual home.

3. ON THE ROAD AGAIN

After spending the entire month of July at home, the Cowboys are back on the road this week. Following the Tigers game, three of North Queensland’s final four games are at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, with Payten’s men not leaving home again until a clash with the Bulldogs to close out the home and away season.

4. STATS UPDATE

Scott Drinkwater has increased his lead for linebreak assists, with the Cowboys fullback now up to 24 for the season. He is also tied second for try assists with 20, tied first for 40-20s with three and second for total runs with 357. Valentine Holmes is third for points with 158, 11 behind Jamayne Isaako. Kyle Feldt has cracked the top five for tries with 14. Reuben Cotter ranks fifth with 701 tackles.