Premiers North Queensland will start rank outsiders against Canberra at GIO Stadium as they face another round without their State of Origin superstars.

But second string halfback Ray Thompson insists the Cowboys are heading to the nation’s capital for the two competition points.

“The culture in this club is so strong that anyone who puts on that jersey is going to do a job,” he said.

“We have full faith in the bloke next to us.

“Absolutely, we’re going down there to get the two points – it’s definitely not going to be easy, and a lot of people are doubting us, but that adds to the theatre, I think.”