TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 27: Jason Taumalolo of the Cowboys smiles after scoring a try during the round 16 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Manly Sea Eagles at 1300SMILES Stadium on June 27, 2016 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 27: Jason Taumalolo of the Cowboys smiles after scoring a try during the round 16 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Manly Sea Eagles at 1300SMILES Stadium on June 27, 2016 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

5th - North Queensland Cowboys, 36pts

It'll be tough for the Cowboys to overcome the Storm this weekend without Johnathan Thurston, and a trip to Belmore looms as another big test for the reigning premiers.

In a three team logjam for just two spots any losses are crucial, and with Canterbury and Canberra losing just the one game between them, both teams should pip the Cowboys to the post, resigning last year's champions to opening with an elimination final.

  • Storm (H) - L
  • Tigers (A) - W
  • Roosters (A) - W
  • Warriors (H) - W
  • Bulldogs (A) - L
  • Titans (H) - W

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