Bulldogs hope to spoil party

Coincidentally, the Bulldogs were North Queensland’s first opponent at their home ground when the Cowboys made their debut back in 1995, claiming a 32-16 win over the locals.

Yet Bulldogs veteran Aiden Tolman admitted they were not counting on history repeating in North Queensland’s farewell to the ground.

“We are coming up against the Cowboys in their last ever game at their stadium,” he said.

“They will be fired up. We know they are a tough team and have a great forward pack.

“We are a mathematical (finals) chance I suppose, but we have to win both our final two games to get in.”

Still, Tolman said their 12thplaced team did not lack selfbelief after claiming four straight games to keep a miracle finals finish alive.

“If things go our way then so be it. We are going into the game knowing we have done the work to get the win so we are backing ourselves,” he said.

“There is a lot of belief at the moment.”

Still, downing North Queensland on their final night at their spiritual home ground will be easier said than done.

Green appeared fired up over reports that he had fallen out with Morgan.

“There’s no issue. It is a storm in a tea cup,” he said.

“I have these conversations with players all the time. What is most important is what we say to each other privately.

“We need to have these honest conversations in order to get better.”

The Cowboys have also been buoyed by Tongan powerhouse Jason Taumalolo being cleared to play despite being hampered by a foot complaint.