NRL Round 8 Preview and Prediction - North Queensland Cowboys v Newcastle Knights @ 1300 Smiles Stadium

North Queensland Cowboys v Newcastle Knights @ 1300 Smiles Stadium
 
Preview - Both the Cowboys and Knights will be looking to rebound from concerning losing streaks when they lock horns at 1300 Smiles Stadium in Townsville on Saturday night. The home side have suffered back-to-back defeats to the Tigers and Dragons as they plough on in the coming weeks without star halfback Johnathan Thurston. The Cowboys were brave last week in coming back to lose narrowly 28-22 to the Dragons, however defensively in the first half they were a long way off their game. The Knights have lost 5 in a row, however only 1 of those games against Penrith proved to be a blowout. Last week they matched the Roosters for 60 minutes, before 2 late tries to the visitors saw the Knights go down 24-6. 
 
History - The Cowboys have won 6 of their past 9 games against the Knights. Last year, when the sides clashed at 1300 Smiles Stadium, the Cowboys routed the Knights 46-16. Overall, the Knights have the edge, having won 19 games and lost 16 games against the Cowboys. 
 
North Queensland Cowboys Scouting Report - The Cowboys have made just the one change with Antonio Winterstein back on the wing with Gideon Gela-Mosby dropping out of the side. With Lachlan Coote and Jonathon Thurston both sidelined the plenty of responsibility falls on Michael Morgan's shoulders to take ownership of this team. There were some good signs in the 2nd half against the Dragons that this side can still be potent with the football without Thurston. 
 
Newcastle Knights Scouting Report - The Knights welcome in Sam Stone who starts in the 2nd row with Joe Wardle dropping out of the side altogether. Veteren forward Anthony Tupou wins a start on the bench as he looks to impress and make his case for winning another contract with the Knights for next season. 
 
Verdict - Cowboys by 12-22

I think the Cowboys will win this game fairly comfortably despite missing Thurston. I think they will have been stung by a couple of really poor home performances against the Sea Eagles and Tigers. The Knights have been brave this season, however they are more susceptible to being belted on the road as was shown in their 40-0 loss at Penrith in Round 4. The Cowboys showed in the 2nd half against the Dragons they still have the ability to put on points quickly, with some talented players in their spine and Taumololo up front.