XXXX things you need to know: Round 26 v Storm

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys host the Melbourne Storm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Thursday night.

1. FAREWELLING LEGENDS

Cowboys Life Members Jake Granville and Kyle Feldt will be farewelled at Queensland Country Bank on Thursday night. Both men sit inside the top 10 in all-time appearances for the Cowboys, while Feldt will also finish his Cowboys career as the club's leading try-scorer with 146 and counting. Granville will conduct a lap of honour pre-game at approximately 7.25pm, while Feldt will farewell the crowd following full-time.

2. DOUBLE TON

Cowboys centre Valentine Holmes will make his 200th NRL appearance when he runs on to Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Thursday night. Holmes made his debut for the Sharks in 2014 before moving to the Cowboys in 2020 where he has appeared in 95 games. The 29-year-old will lead the Cowboys on to the field through a guard of honour of his family and friends.

3. FINALS CHARGE

North Queensland have secured a finals berth for 2024, but remain in the hunt during the final two rounds to secure an all-important home final. The Cowboys currently sit sixth, one point ahead of Manly and two behind fifth-placed Canterbury-Bankstown. Todd Payten’s men need to finish inside the top six to secure a home final.

4. STATS UPDATE

Valentine Holmes holds a three-point lead in the NRL point-scoring race heading into a final two rounds. Holmes has scored 208 points through 25 rounds, with Jamayne Isaako (205) and Sam Walker (204) just behind. Kyle Feldt sits third in the NRL with 18 tries, five behind leader Alofiana Khan-Pereira. Feldt also ranks fifth with 20 line-breaks. Scott Drinkwater is tied for second with 23 try assists, leads the competition with 27 linbreak assists and second for runs with 409.