North Queensland hooker Aaron Payne will miss at least the next month of the NRL season with a torn lateral ligament in his ankle.

Payne suffered the injury during last Saturday night's fiery clash with the Wests Tigers at Dairy Farmers Stadium, the game which also saw Cowboys halfback Johnathan Thurston ruled out for the next fortnight with a shoulder injury.

Despite the injury, Cowboys medical staff were pleased the damage wasn't as bad as originally feared and expect to have Payne back in four-to-six weeks.

"Aaron's injury is not as bad as we first thought - thankfully his ankle is not broken," Cowboys general manager of football Dean Lance said in a statement on Tuesday.

"It's disappointing for Aaron, given his time out last year with injury, but he's a workhorse and we know he'll be doing his best to get back to full fitness as soon as possible.

Anthony Watts was named by Cowboys coach Neil Henry in the No.9 jersey for Saturday's trip to Newcastle, while youngster Ray Thompson moves into No.7 in Thurston's absence and Grant Rovelli is recalled from Queensland Cup duties to play at five-eighth.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP