Brisbane will be without Adam Reynolds for the NRL derby with North Queensland as the halfback manages a groin niggle.
Kobe Hetherington (back) is another casualty for Saturday's clash in Townsville, with Kevin Walters forced to call on halfback Jock Madden and young prop Xavier Willison as the Broncos look to solidify a top-two spot.
Walters confirmed on Friday Reynolds and Hetherington would miss the clash with niggles he suggested were minor.
Reynolds has been a huge factor in Brisbane's (15-5) surge to equal first on the ladder.
"He's not tracking too well actually," Walters said of his talismanic captain and playmaker.
"So it's Jock Madden into the No.7 and away we go.
"If (Reynolds) was right to play he'd play, but it creates an opportunity.
"Jock's been in great touch in the Queensland Cup and we've got a lot of faith in what he can do."
The Cowboys go into the match eighth in the table and will be without suspended centre Valentine Holmes.