Not since 2016 will the local Queensland derby have so much hype in the lead-up with North Queensland sitting in third spot on the Telstra Premiership ladder and Brisbane nicely placed in fifth.
With a host of players taking part in Origin II and across the rep weekend, both side's have also benefitted from the bye week and will be fresh ahead of the Queensland derby.
The corresponding clash in round three belonged to the Cowboys in a six tries to two romp at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane have responded since then, winning nine of their past 12 matches.