KEY MATCH-UPS

KYLE FELDT v RONALDO MULITALO

Kyle Feldt is playing for a second chance to wear a Maroons jersey, while Ronaldo Mulitalo is playing for his first.

Cronulla flyer Mulitalo this week voiced his disappointment that he had been left out of Queensland’s selection discussions, and will line up opposite the Cowboys winger who made his Maroons debut in Origin I.

Both are prolific finishers but whoever is willing to do the grind work out of their own end will put themselves in the box seat.

TODD PAYTEN v JOSH HANNAY

Just 12 month ago, North Queensland hero Josh Hannay took over as the club’s interim head coach. Now he is in the same role for the Sharks, and comes up against the man who beat him to the job. Todd Payten has taken the Cowboys from cellar dwellers to finals contenders this year. However, after a poor performance against Manly, he will be demanding a reaction from his players.

But this is a chance for Hannay to rub salt into the wounds and get one over his old club.

SCOTT DRINKWATER v SHAUN JOHNSON Two enigmatic halves will ultimately decide who finishes on top in this clash. Scott Drinkwater has been on fire since the Cowboys returned to winning form in round five. He is just one try assist short of leading the category. With a new halfback in Tom Dearden beside him, the dynamic five-eighth will be the attacking maestro in the side. His left-edge combination with Valentine Holmes has also been lethal.

Shaun Johnson, on the other hand, is playing for his future.

The Kiwi star has been told by the Sharks he is not part of their plans from next year. However, he is coming off a matchwinning performance against powerhouse Penrith.

Only last year, Johnson set up more tries than any other player before he was injured.

If he finds that magic again, he will be a handful for North Queensland.

Whoever comes out firing can win the two points for their side.