Cowboys determined return their home to the fortress it once was

IT was a graveyard for visiting teams last season and now the Cowboys are desperate to return 1300SMILES Stadium to the fortress it once was.

IT was a graveyard for visiting teams last season and now the Cowboys are desperate to return 1300SMILES Stadium to the fortress it once was.

On the surface Saturday’s encounter against last-placed Newcastle should be a walk in the park for the 2015 NRL premiers.

But it is exactly the type of game North Queensland has struggled in this season.

The Cowboys registered golden point wins against premiership contenders Canberra and Brisbane in the opening rounds of the season.

Cowboys v West Tigers. Cowboys Jason Taumalolo

But they lost to what was previously an uninspiring Manly outfit in round 3 at home and dropped a game to the controversy-riddled Tigers in Townsville a fortnight ago.

The Cowboys went through the entire 2016 season losing just one game at home — against eventual grand finalists Melbourne when star halfback Johnathan Thurston was sidelined.

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Visiting teams had little chance of winning when they ventured north last year and the Cowboys know how important their home ground advantage is given the gruelling travel schedule they endure every season.

“We pride ourselves on working hard at our own home ground,” lock Jason Taumalolo said.

“To come out and not get the result we wanted at home was pretty devastating (against the Tigers and Sea Eagles), especially when the boys pride themselves on home games.

“It was another opportunity gone begging. I’m pretty sure the boys will come back and be ready for (tonight’s) game.”

Thurston (calf) will be missing again and the Knights have shown plenty of spirit despite registering just one win this season.

Michael Morgan has shifted into the No. 7 jersey in Thurston’s absence and said winning at home was crucial to stay in top four contention.

“It is very disappointing, especially the way we’ve lost them as well,” he said.

“Both games have been pretty one-sided which is very frustrating.

“You want to be good at home and we haven’t been good enough this year.

“All we can do is try and be better.”

Utility Ray Thompson could play his first game of the season after being retained on an extended bench.