North Queensland coach Neil Henry says forward Tariq Sims has earned his NRL debut against Newcastle on Saturday with a good attitude and some hard work during the pre-season.

The 21-year-old will join brother Ashton, who is five years older and has already played 138 NRL games, in the Cowboys pack for the clash in Townsville.

"Tariq will definitely be playing. He's earned the right to make his NRL debut alongside his brother which is exciting for the Sims family," said Henry, who's reshuffled his pack after losing left edge forward Scott Bolton (calf) for three to four weeks.

"He's (Tariq) produced some good trial form and he deserves it for his work ethic at training throughout the pre-season."

Henry said the young Sims was a good worker for his 106kgs and he didn't lack confidence.

"He's going to find out how quick it (NRL) is out there and being on the bench we can limit or extend his time on the field depending on how he is going," said Henry.

Gavin Cooper, who was solid off the bench in last week's 16-14 win over Brisbane, will fill Bolton's spot on the left side which is where he likes to play.

Henry said Newcastle would be a real test at home with the Knights coming off a 42-8 victory over Penrith.

"... Jarrod Mullen's kicking game was exceptional," he said.

"Their forwards rolled up the field, (Akuila) Uate was a handful on one side and Junior Sa'u has been killing it too in the centres."

Henry expects Corey Paterson will take over on the left side from injured aggressor Neville Costigan whom he said would be a big loss.

"He (Costigan) is a loss for them because he's a very hard man out there," he said.

"He is skilful but he's also tough and he's a strong carrier of the ball."

Having said that, Henry rates his likely replacement just as highly.

"Corey Paterson is a very good edge back-rower, he's strong and tall, he can score tries off cross field kicks and he can off-load," said Henry.

"He'll be a handful."

The Cowboys hope to give their fans a first up home win after being successful only four times in 12 games at Dairy Farmers Stadium last season.

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