With a late move from interim coach Josh Hannay, the cowboys legend Gavin Cooper will play his last home game in Townsville from the bench against the Panthers.
Earlier this week, the 35-year-old announced that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season and make his 246th appearance for the club, tying Scott Bolton as fourth-best in club history.
That’s the motivation the club needs to hold out against Penrith in Townsville.
North Queensland have won six of their last seven home games, including a 24-10 triumph in Round 23 last season.
The Panthers can secure the JJ Giltinan Shield and secure first place on the NRL ladder with a win on Friday night.
Should the Panthers end the small Premier League a week early, coach Ivan Cleary could try to give other players a break in the finals before the final.
The Panthers are facing Canterbury to end the regular season and Cleary may be tempted to give some players the week off.
Jason Taumalolo is set to return from the bench after a calf injury. The 27-year-old has been out since round 15.
Dean Whare, Charlie Staines, Billy Burns and Matt Burton were cut from Penrith’s Bank.
While Esan Marsters, Peter Hola, Jake Granville and Ben Hampton will descend to the Cowboys.
