And neither is the Tigers' three-match losing streak as the Cowboys look to jump ahead of them with a win at home on Friday night.

Michael Maguire's men were thrashed 28-0 by Canberra last weekend and history says that's good news for Green, given they have lost their last seven matches after failing to score in the previous week.

But Green's men fell short against Manly last weekend and won't be taking anything for granted as they seek a seventh win this season.

Both sides are equal on 12 points and only outside the eight on for-and-against, meaning there is plenty to play for in Townsville.

"They've shown they can mix it with the best of teams," he said of the Tigers.

"They nearly did Melbourne in Melbourne (24-22 a month ago) which is no easy feat ... they can certainly play their footy. We've got plenty of respect for them."

Michael Morgan has been named at fullback with John Asiata and Jake Clifford to pair in the halves. But Maguire is more worried about his own backyard.

"In many training sessions I've seen some great things happen. If we get that transferred onto the park for 80 minutes we'll be in a better place," he said.

"The ladder will sort itself out if we perform well."

Captain Moses Mbye has been named in the centres to add a "different dynamic on the left" according to the coach, while Corey Thompson is at fullback and Robert Jennings returns to the wing.

Australian Associated Press