A question mark may hover over North Queensland’s starting hooker but the Cowboys have a former No.9 in their sights ahead of Saturday night’s crunch NRL home clash with Penrith.

Pre-match talk has been dominated by the comeback of Cowboys halfback Robert Lui, 13 months after pleading guilty to domestic assault.

However, the Cowboys are also relishing the return of the Panthers’ ex-North Queensland rake James Segeyaro.

Coach Neil Henry refused to confirm whether Anthony Mitchell or Rory Kostjasyn would play No.9 after relegating English international Scott Moore to the second-tier Queensland Cup.

But there were no prizes for guessing the name of the rake on Cowboys’ players’ lips on Friday.

“He has sent me a couple of texts – he is ready to get back up here at his old stomping ground,” returning Cowboys backrower Tariq Sims said of ex-teammate Segeyaro.

“There are just as many people here who are eager to get at him.

“He’s a smart player. He’s aggressive which is awesome to play against because it makes you lift – I can’t wait.”

Segeyaro’s off-season Penrith defection – and veteran Aaron Payne’s retirement – has left a gaping hole at hooker that the Cowboys are still dealing with a month into the 2013 season.

Henry admitted he was no closer to finalising his starting rake as North Queensland look for their first win since round one – just like Penrith.

“Rory or Anthony – I don’t think I will make a decision until an hour before kick-off,” Henry said.

But he knew what to expect from Segeyaro – affectionately known as “Chico” – after he has turned heads off the bench as Panthers captain Kevin Kingston’s back-up.

“He’s been in pretty good form. I think he has scored every time they have played at home,” Henry said of his former charge.

“We know what he can do. He is a very dangerous carrier of the ball, especially from dummy half – we will have to be on `Chico’ alert.”

But it seems the Panthers will need to be on Lui alert.

Henry could not hide his excitement over the prospect of the ex-Wests Tigers playmaker finally chiming into the halves with co-captain Johnathan Thurston for the first time since round one last year.

“I think Michael Morgan has been a little bit quiet coming back from his broken jaw,” he said.

“And Rob deserves his shot. We’ve had a couple of lean weeks. We need a spark and I am hopeful Rob produces that.”