LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
A special afternoon awaits at Leichhardt Oval as Wests Tigers host the Cowboys in Heritage Round, which also doubles as the 150th NRL appearance for co-captain Jarome Luai.
Head Coach Benji Marshall has named an unchanged 22-man squad following last weekend's spirited 26-12 win over Manly at Allianz Stadium.
Todd Payten has also named an unchanged 17 following North Queensland's dominant win over the Knights in Round 24.
The equation is simple for Wests Tigers: win, or the door to the finals most likely slams shut.
The Tigers sit four points adrift of the eighth-placed Roosters with three games remaining, and a win at Leichhardt is likely non-negotiable if they're to keep the dream alive.
Benji Marshall's side has found cohesion in recent weeks, highlighted by a gritty showing in the wet against the Bulldogs and a confident performance against the Sea Eagles.
North Queensland pose a physical challenge. With key personnel back on deck, they'll bring power through the middle and spark on the edges.
The last match between these two sides was in Round 13 when the Cowboys emerged victorious 32-28, while the Tigers' last win over North Queensland came by way of a 66-18 thrashing in 2023.