Viliami Vailea has been named to make his North Queensland Toyota Cowboys debut in Saturday’s XXXX Derby showdown with The Dolphins at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The 21-year-old is set to become Cowboy No.315, replacing Tom Chester, who is facing a month on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, at centre.
Vailea is in his first campaign with the Cowboys, joining the club after appearing in 17 games for the Warriors over the course of three seasons following his NRL debut in 2021.
Fresh off inking a five-year contract extension, Heilum Luki will make his return from ankle surgery against The Dolphins.
Luki, who has been sidelined since Round 2, has been named on the interchange in place of Jake Granville, who reverts to the reserves.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 7.35pm
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Cowboys team to play Dolphins:
2. Kyle Feldt
5. Semi Valemei
6. Tom Dearden (c)
9. Reece Robson
10. Griffin Neame
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter (c)
Interchange
14. Heilum Luki
15. Tom Mikaele
16. Sam McIntyre
17. Jason Taumalolo
Reserves
18. Jake Granville
19. Jake Clifford
20. Harrison Edwards
21. Jamal Shibasaki
22. Jaxon Purdue
