Star fullback Matt Bowen was ruled out of the North Queensland team for Friday's NRL match against St George Illawarra with a recurring knee injury.

Bowen had arthroscopic surgery on his troublesome knee during the pre-season and was given a cortisone injection before missing last week's win over Parramatta after the injury flared during his side's horror start to the season as they lost their first three matches.

Bowen trained with the side on Thursday but Cowboys coaching staff have decided to give the former Origin flyer another week's rest, eyeing a return against the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday week.

Ash Graham will again take over after a strong performance against the Eels last week.

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