Final team list: Cowboys v Dragons

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys young gun Jake Clifford will make his NRL debut in tonight's showdown with the St George Illawarra Dragons at 1300SMILES Stadium.

The 20-year-old replaces Lachlan Coote, who played for Mackay in the Queensland Cup earlier today.

Clifford has been in fantastic form for the Northern Pride during his first season of senior football.

The Tully product has scored the second most points of any player in the competition with 134 in 15 games.

Fellow youngster Mitchell Dunn will make his second NRL appearance after being drafted into the side by Cowboys head coach Paul Green.

Dunn, who made his first grade debut against Manly in Round 13 this season, comes on to the interchange for Francis Molo.

Justin O'Neill will make his first NRL appearance since Round 14, replacing Antonio Winterstein on the wing.

John Asiata again starts in the front row alongside Scott Bolton after making a successful return from injury against Canberra last week.

Dunn is joined on the bench by forwards Shaun Fensom and Corey Jensen as well as utility Ben Hampton.

Tonight's game starts at 7.30pm.

COWBOYS: 18. Jake Clifford, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Enari Tuala, 4. Kane Linnett, 5. Justin O'Neill, 6. Te Maire Martin, 7. Johnathan Thurston (C), 8. John Asiata, 9. Jake Granville, 10. Scott Bolton, 11. Gavin Cooper, 12. Coen Hess, 13. Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: 14. Ben Hampton, 15. Shaun Fensom, 17. Corey Jensen, 20. Mitchell Dunn.