Five things you need to know: Round 15

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys travel to Newcastle to take on the Knights on Sunday afternoon at McDonald Jones Stadium.

1. STICKING STRONG

After almost pulling off an upset against South Sydney last weekend, Cowboys Interim Head Coach Josh Hannay has retained the same starting 13 for the Knights clash. The only change in the 17 comes on the interchange, with Reuben Cotter replacing Jake Granville.

2. HITTING FORM

His first game back from a shoulder injury may have been below his lofty standards, but Cowboys skipper Michael Morgan was back to his devastating best in Round 14. Morgan scored two tries, registered seven tackle breaks and made 16 tackles in the one-point defeat. He will again partner Ben Hampton in the halves for the Knights clash.

3. ON THE MEND

Veteran outside back Justin O’Neill is a chance to return from a knee injury against the Knights. O’Neill has been managing the knee ailment throughout the season and was forced to miss the South Sydney game. The 29-year-old has been named in the reserves and will come into calculations if he is able to make it through the week’s final training sessions.

4. ON A ROLL

The Cowboys have enjoyed a golden run in recent years against Newcastle. North Queensland have won 11 of the previous 16 clashes between the two sides, including a 32-20 triumph in Round 7. The Cowboys record in Newcastle is less flattering, winning just six of 19 matches at McDonald Jones Stadium.

5. BREAKING THE DUCK

Jason Taumalolo has achieved almost everything in rugby league, but there’s one thing the Cowboys superstar is yet to add to his resume – scoring a try against Newcastle. Taumalolo hasn’t crossed the stripe in 10 career matches against the Knights, who along with Melbourne are the only two sides the North Queensland’s No.13 hasn’t registered a try against.