North Queensland fullback Matt Bowen has been ruled out of the Cowboys clash with winless South Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Sunday due to a knee injury.

Bowen missed two weeks earlier this season with a knee injury but after returning for two games he is again suffering from swelling in the same knee.

Cowboys coach Graham Murray said it was important for Bowen to completely recovery from his injury and will not bring the electric fullback to Sydney.

Centre Ashley Graham will switch to fullback for the clash with Ty Williams coming into the starting side.

"Matt Bowen won't play this week, he has swelling in his knee and needs a week to rest," said Murray.

"Hopefully we can get him right for the following week.

"We will miss Matty but we have to get his knee right."

Bowen joins a long list of casualties for the Cowboys with forwards Luke O'Donnell, Sione Faumuina, Shane Tronc and Matt Scott out injured and Jacob Lillyman to miss two weeks with suspension.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP