The Knights will be without star Bradman Best for their elimination final against the Cowboys with the latest of recurring hamstring troubles ruling the Origin centre out of Saturday's match.

Best was named in Newcastle's team earlier this week however reports suggesting he will no longer feature emerged on Thursday, the same day the club travelled to Townsville.

Hamstring injuries have interrupted the 23-year-old's season, including clouding his eventual availability for NSW's Origin decider win in July.

The Kamilaroi man spent six weeks on the sidelines before his return just a fortnight ago, where he had two try assists in a 34-6 win over Gold Coast.

He lined up at centre in both games of Newcastle's 2023 finals campaign, which ended in a 40-10 loss to the Warriors in Auckland.

Best is said to have pulled up tight after full game time against the Dolphins in their final home-and-away season game at the weekend.

Reports vary on whether Best joined teammates in boarding the plane on Thursday.

Earlier this week, Knights lock and Wiradjuri man Adam Elliott said his side is "ready to peak" leading into the do-or-die clash.

Newcastle won four of their final six games, including a one-point loss to the fourth-placed Sharks, heading into finals.

Elliott crossed over to score twice in their only previous meeting with the Cowboys this year, a 21-20 loss at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

"I think the style of footy we're playing right now shoots going into semi finals," Elliot said.

In his second season at the club, the 29-year-old said the club will be better for their finals experience last year and recent 80 minute performances.

"Each week, we've been able to get better and build at it. We're still building at the moment, but I think we're at the point where we're ready to peak as a team," Elliot said.

"We've had some really good games leading to these final series that are going to prepare us for that."

North Queensland host Newcastle in week one of finals at Townsville on Saturday night.