No hate in top eight shootout but rivalry remains high for Hess

Even without the added intrigue of the race to the finals, the two well-supported Queensland clubs have had a strong rivalry, with the 2015 grand final often highlighted as one of the best deciders ever.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten lit the spark for another high-octane clash, telling reporters in the post-match press conference following his side’s loss to fellow Queensland rivals the Dolphins, that “everyone hates the Broncos”.

While he didn’t repeat the ‘h’ word uttered by his coach, Hess said the rivalry was as strong as ever and each team enjoyed taking their opposition down.

“It always is a huge game,” Hess said.

“We had a disappointing loss (against the Dolphins), so it'll be about us bouncing back.

“The Broncos are in finals contention now as well, so they've got a bit of confidence and we're fighting to stay in the top eight as well.

“Both teams have a lot to play for, so I'm looking forward to it.

“They need to win every game, so if we can end their season up there, that'd be outstanding.

“We'll have the whole of Townsville, North Queensland behind us, and that'll be everyone's objective … but it's a game that everyone gets up for, no matter how both teams are going.

“It always traditionally goes down to the wire and it's a cracking contest.

“We beat them earlier on in the year, so I'm sure they'll be reminded about that and all that good stuff, but you certainly don't have to get yourself up for the game, that's for sure.

“(But there is a lot of a lot of respect there) it goes both ways.

“We just love beating each other so much and they're the same as well.

“You certainly don't need any extra motivation.”

While the Broncos come into the game full of confidence after knocking off defending premiers Penrith last round, one positive for North Queensland’s loss against the Dolphins was the successful return from injury of co-captain and halfback Tom Dearden.

Missing since Round 10 with a syndesmosis injury, Dearden – nicknamed ‘Mud’ – was straight back into the action, scoring the first try of the game and setting up another early as the Cowboys got off to a promising start, before falling away.

Against a fired-up Broncos looking to save their season, Dearden will need to be on song against his former club to help guide the Cowboys to a win.

“We call it ‘Mud magic’, so when he does that little show and go, he's waving the wand,” Hess said.

“That was nice to see early on, he got his try.

“But I'm sure the lungs would have been burned in the stages, so the more footy he can get into the legs, the better it'll be for us and you can definitely feel him out there.

“He's an amazing talker and directs us around the park really well and we love playing with him.”

This week, Jake Clifford has been recalled to partner Dearden in the halves, with another boost seeing prop Tom Mikaele's return after missing a week due to concussion.