North Queensland Cowboys must end woeful away record with a win over struggling Knights

IT HAS been 295 days since North Queensland won a game outside of Townsville and coach Paul Green says they must win to “shut everyone up”.

Jonathan Thurston after the NRL round 13 game between the Parramatta Eels and the North Queensland Cowboys at Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta. pic Mark Evans

IT HAS been 295 days since North Queensland won a game outside of Townsville and coach Paul Green says tonight is their opportunity to “shut everyone up” about their away record.

The Cowboys will not get a better chance to break their seven-game losing streak away from home when they face the last-placed Newcastle Knights at Hunter Stadium.

North Queensland have not won an away game since they defeated the Sharks in Cronulla on September 1 last year.

Cowboys board member Ben Ikin even admitted recently that North Queensland were “mentally fragile” away from Townsville.

The Cowboys are left dejected after another away loss to Parramatta in round 13.

While the Knights have been poor this year, only winning two games in a season dogged by off-field drama, they will fancy their chances against an Origin-hit North Queensland.

The Cowboys will be missing prop Matt Scott and centre Brent Tate, who both suffered long-term injuries in Origin II.

Curtis Rona comes on to the wing, with Matthew Wright shifting to centre, while prop John Asiata comes on to the bench.

James Tamou and Johnathan Thurston will back up despite Thurston suffering a corked thigh in Queensland’s loss to NSW.

COWBOYS WARY OF REF AND REPUTATION

The Cowboys are sitting just two points outside the top eight and this is an opportunity they can’t afford to let slip as the Knights have lost their last seven games.

“They will be desperate. They have had a horrible season so far, for different reasons,” Green said.

“Every game away is an opportunity to shut everyone up regarding our away record.

“It is a big blow for the club (to be) missing the guys we have lost. We have prepared without those guys for the last two weeks though.

“Emotionally, State of Origin is such a massive game. When they lose in such a game like Wednesday it is going to take its toll but I’m sure they will be ready to go.”

ORIGIN CARNAGE: SCOTT OUT FOR SIX WEEKS

Cowboys coach Paul Green has challenged his players to prove they are mentally strong.

Green challenged his players that have a mid-range level of experience to stand up and fill the 400 games plus of NRL experience they will miss through the absence of Scott and Tate.

Green was referencing the likes of Tariq Sims, Kane Linnett, Ray Thompson and Scott Bolton, who have been regulars for several seasons now.

“There are quite a few guys who have played 60-plus games there. It is time for those guys to stand up,” Green said.

“Tariq is in that category. They need to stand up.”

Cowboy's Tariq Sims says he’s looking forward to returning from suspension.

Sims returns from suspension against the Knights, the club his younger brother Korbin pays for.

“I’m sick of being refreshed. I’m ready to get in the grind again,” he said.

“I’m better than ready to go. It has been a long time. This is the time when we need to rely on our depth. People need to step up.

“We want to be a solid team in the back end of this season.

“I’m sure the Knights will come out firing. They have had their back against the wall for seven weeks now. It is dangerous playing a team that desperate.”