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Jason Taumalolo has been ruled out of North Queensland's NRL clash with Wests Tigers after fracturing his left hand for the second time this season.

North Queensland captain Jason Taumalolo has suffered his third hand fracture this season, ruling him out of Saturday's NRL clash with Wests Tigers and possibly longer.

The blockbusting forward incurred the injury in the first half of his team's loss to the Gold Coast on Sunday but played out the game.

The club said on Tuesday scans confirmed a fracture in Taumalolo's left hand, unrelated to the one he suffered in the week leading up to round six.

He had previously copped a broken right hand at training before round two.

It means this weekend's match will be the ninth Taumalolo has missed this season. He will be assessed early next week to decide his availability for round 23.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten said losing their skipper to another hand injury was pure bad luck.

"He's played 200 or so games already and this (season) is the first time he's ever broken a bone," said Payten.

"Really disappointed that he's unable to play for us for the next week or two, or however long that might be, I'm unsure.

"I think it's a pain management thing from his side of things.

"The kid has played hurt or injured for most of the year and he's our best player and we need him on the park as much as we can.

"But in saying that, we've just got to get on with it now that he's not playing."

While the Cowboys will be disheartened by the loss of their skipper, they have been buoyed by the NRL's decision to push ahead with their home game in Townsville on Saturday.

Full capacity is permitted at Queensland Country Bank Stadium and Payten said they were glad to be back playing in front of their die-hard fans.

"In some ways we were a little bit worried that the venue would be moved or the timeslot might be changed but it gives everyone a bit of clarity and certainty around not having to mix up their weekends in order to attend, which is great for us," he said.

"I've always been vocal about what type of team we want to be and that's the type of team that represents people of North Queensland.

"That's hard working, unassuming, selfless, salt of the earth."

Winger Murray Taulagi and prop Lachlan Burr will both miss the Tigers clash due to concussion.

The Cowboys could have two debutants as Jeremiah Nanai and Griffin Neame are named on the bench.