Two rounds to play. Let’s have a look at North Queensland’s future.

What’s their pathway to the finals?

A tough trip to Sydney to play Souths is followed by a home game against minor premiers Penrith. Even with two losses, they have enough of a superior for and against margin over Parramatta to ensure they finish in the top four.

Who will they most likely play?

Two losses will see the Cowboys likely finish in fourth place, and travel to Sydney to take on Penrith for the second week in a row.

Okay, give me some hope…

The Cowboys have defied the critics all season. Todd Payten has brought together a bunch of young players, sprinkled with the experience of Chad Townsend and Jason Taumalolo to form a team that is a genuine threat.

Now, the reality check…

Like Cronulla, North Queensland may need a year of disappointment in finals football before they can step up to Penrith, Melbourne and Sydney Roosters. The loss to the Roosters a couple of weeks back was probably a good indication of just where the Cowboys are this year.

Who is the key?

Jeremiah Nanai. What a breakout season for Nanai! Seventeen tries in a display probably not seen for a rookie forward since Steve Menzies in 1994. Whether it’s catching kicks or using his power game, Nanai has been a handful for opposition teams all season.

Predicted finish:

Third week of finals. Even if they go down to Penrith in the first week of the finals, North Queensland should have too much class for Parramatta in a likely second week clash. Unfortunately, they would probably then run into a fresh Melbourne.