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North Queensland have opted for an unchanged line-up to face the Sydney Roosters as Todd Payten's side hunts a significant NRL scalp.

Having won four of their past five matches, North Queensland's stuttering start to 2021 seems to be well and truly behind them.

The Cowboys (4-5) have strung together convincing wins over Canberra, Wests Tigers and Canterbury, while edging past Brisbane.

Coach Todd Payten said following the derby win over Brisbane the team needs to "hold their biscuits" having not played any final contenders since their round one loss to Penrith.

But his side now have their chance, facing the fifth-placed Sydney Roosters in this weekend's NRL Magic Round, and Payten anticipates one of their toughest contests yet.

"We're up against a strong club, that are playing some good footy, and they have done for a number of years," Payten said on Tuesday.

"We know what we're walking into.

"They will challenge you with the way that they carry the ball first and foremost.

"Physically you've got to be in the game - they know how to win and they know how to win in a lot of ways.

"They're not going to gift it to you."

One challenge Payten noted is containing the emerging star in the Roosters backline, Sam Walker.

The 18-year-old has starred since debuting in 2021, nabbing three tries and 10 try assists in six appearances.

"He's fearless," Payten said of the Roosters halfback.

"He's playing on the back of a really good forward pack, who's taking the ball down field and giving him time to play and just playing really well.

"He's exciting to watch."

The Cowboys are unchanged heading into this weekend and Payten expects more of the intensity his side showed in the final stages of Saturday's win over Brisbane.

"Our completions kept us in the game, same with the kicking game and just the fact that we competed on every play," he said.

"We're going to have to do that at the very least to be within a fighting chance of knocking the Roosters over."