NSW captain Kurt Gidley is confident a knee injury suffered in the Knights' 36-10 loss to North Queensland on Monday night won't stop him from leading the Blues out in next week's State of Origin series opener.

Gidley, who was confirmed by NSW selectors as the Blues' fullback captain at halftime of the match, suffered a grade one medial ligament tear during the second half at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

But he played down the injury after the game, saying he was not in doubt for the series opener at Etihad Stadium on June 3.

"You would need a bit more than this to stop me at the moment," Gidley said.

"It didn't feel good when it happened, I think it was a bit scary at the same time.

"The game, and a bit of an injury and to be picked in the team it's a bit of a rollercoaster ride (tonight) but I am more than happy being picked and being captain."

The win was the Cowboys' third straight and saw them continue their charge towards the top eight after a slow start to the season.

Maroons halfback Johnathan Thurston and Blues backrower Luke O'Donnell were the backbone behind the win with starring performances, grabbing a try each while Thurston also booted six goals.

Cowboys coach Neil Henry said it was his side's best performance of the year.

"They (Newcastle) have played some of the big sides and they have been in great form," Henry said.

"Our forwards have really gone forward and been strong I was happy with our defensive commitment today as well.

The home side got on the board early through Travis Burns - who suffered a knee injury in the second half - and continued to pile on the points through John Williams and Steve Southern for a 18-6 halftime lead.

Antonio Kaufusi, O'Donnell and Thurston all scored in the second half to kill of the Knights, whose only tries came to Chris Houston and Akuila Uate.

It was an unhappy trip for second-placed Knights with poor handling ruining their hopes of four straight wins after bombing two first-half tries.

Knights coach Brian Smith was disappointed with the loss but delighted that both Gidley and winger James McManus were named in the Blues side.

"I am wrapped for both of them," he said.

"They are such dedicated blokes and everyone in our club is really happy for them."

Knights backrower Zeb Taia will face a nervous wait after he was placed on report for a high tackle on John Williams while Danny Wicks was also reported for striking O'Donnell in the 75th minute.

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