North Queensland Toyota Cowboys head coach Paul Green has recalled Justin O’Neill to replace injured winger Nene Macdonald for Saturday’s Round 6 clash with the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium.
O’Neill produced a man of the match performance for the Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Cup last weekend, scoring two tries and setting up another.
The 28-year-old is a direct swap for Macdonald, who faces an extended stint on the sidelines after fracturing and dislocating his ankle against Melbourne.
As per last week’s late change, Josh McGuire will start in the second-row, allowing the in-form John Asiata to come into the starting side at lock, with Coen Hess reverting to the bench.
Experienced prop Scott Bolton also returns for his first game of 2019 and is joined on the interchange by Hess, hooker Kurt Baptiste and middle forward Francis Molo.
The reserves are made up of forwards Corey Jensen, Shane Wright and Mitch Dunn as well as outside back Javid Bowen.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 5.30 (Qld).
Cowboys team to play Warriors:
1. Te Maire Martin
2. Justin O’Neill
3. Jordan Kahu
4. Enari Tuala
5. Ben Hampton
6. Jake Clifford
7. Michael Morgan (C)
8. Matt Scott
9. Jake Granville
10. Jordan McLean
11. Gavin Cooper
12. Josh McGuire
13. John Asiata
Interchange
14. Kurt Baptiste
15. Coen Hess
16. Scott Bolton
17. Francis Molo
Reserves
18. Corey Jensen
19. Javid Bowen
20. Shane Wright
21. Mitch Dunn
