The Cowboys have bracing for the trickery of Eels’ Chris Sandow on Saturday night

COWBOYS utility Ray Thompson knows the danger of playing against a man with nothing to lose.

Chris Sandow takes on the Panthers defence. pic Mark Evans

COWBOYS utility Ray Thompson knows the danger of playing against a man with nothing to lose.

Thompson and his North Queensland teammates are bracing for the trickery of wily Parramatta Eels halfback Chris Sandow, who is fighting to extend his career at the western Sydney club.

Off contract at the end of this year, Sandow has been maligned in recent seasons for not matching his hefty pay packet with consistent on-field performances, but Thompson is aware that Sandow can win a match.

Chris Sandow takes on the Panthers defence. pic Mark Evans

Sandow was at his best last week as he steered Parramatta to their 26-20 win over Penrith, setting up a number of tries and nailing all conversion attempts.

That performance came one week after Sandow played a mistake-riddled game against South Sydney, highlighting the hot and cold form that has plagued Sandow’s career.

“Chris is in some form where he’s trying to fight for his career, so he’s going to be a threat,” Thompson.

“He’s going to throw everything out there and he’s a player that’s really hard to handle at the best of times.

“He’s an instinctive player, so he plays off the cuff and sometimes that’s very hard to defend.”

Thompson is one Cowboys player who can empathise with Sandow, given he is also playing for another NRL contract.

The Centrals Tigers junior, who has played 93 first grades games across seven seasons, is hitting form at a good time and like Sandow, has nothing to lose.

“I’d play anywhere in the team if I could,” Thompson said.

“Coming off the bench, sometimes it’s a little bit difficult when you’re juggling with the halves and hookers, and knowing the plays and knowing your role.

“But I’m happy doing that and I’m just ecstatic that I’m playing first grade footy.”

Thompson started the year playing Intrust Super Cup football with the Townsville Blackhawks, but has now strung three games together for North Queensland — including his recent stint at halfback against the Wests Tigers.

His return to the NRL fold is no mean feat, given the depth North Queensland now has at No. 9, and Thompson is following the example set by Jake Granville, providing spark out of dummy half while remaining solid in defence.

But Thompson said Granville would not have his mantle as North Queensland’s top rake taken anytime soon.

“He’s probably one of the form hookers in the competition, and when you’re behind a bloke that’s in great form and playing footy, you can’t help but cop it on the chin and do the best you can,” he said.

Jake Granville in action for the Cowboys. Picture: Wesley Monts

Meanwhile, Cowboys under-20s coach Todd Payten has named an unchanged 17 from the side which comfortably beat Manly last week ahead of today’s clash against Parramatta in Sydney.

The third-placed Cowboys are chasing their ninth win of the season and play at 2pm at McReadie Park, Guilford.