North Queensland will be aiming to break into the top-four this year after finishing in fifth place on the ladder in 2024. Todd Payten will have his work cut out for him though after the club waved goodbye to a trio of veteran stars;

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to cross the coast between the Queensland state capital Brisbane and the tourist city of Gold Coast to the south late Thursday or early Friday.

A win will keep them in contention for the Shield final and their bowlers performed as a unit on the third day