Javid Bowen will make his first NRL appearance since Round 4 after being named to start on the wing by North Queensland Toyota Cowboys head coach Paul Green for Friday night’s battle with the Wests Tigers at 1300SMILES Stadium.
Bowen’s recall is one of three changes to Green’s 17, with Scott Bolton to start at prop in place of injured vice-captain Jordan McLean and Kurt Baptiste to return after serving a one-week suspension, replacing young gun Reuben Cotter.
The inclusion of Bowen sees Enari Tuala move to the centres to replace Mitch Dunn, who suffered a shoulder injury last weekend.
Skipper Michael Morgan remains at fullback, although regular No.1 Jordan Kahu has been named on the reserves as he attempts to return from a shoulder injury suffered against the Titans in Round 12.
Corey Jensen takes Bolton’s place on the interchange alongside Baptiste, second-rower Shane Wright and middle forward Francis Molo.
Kahu is joined in the reserves by young middle forwards Peter Hola and Emry Pere as well as centre Dan Russell.
Friday night’s game kicks off at 7.50pm.
Cowboys team to play Tigers:
1. Michael Morgan (C)
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Enari Tuala
4. Tom Opacic
5. Javid Bowen
6. John Asiata
7. Jake Clifford
8. Josh McGuire
9. Jake Granville
10. Scott Bolton
11. Gavin Cooper
12. Coen Hess
13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange
14. Kurt Baptiste
15. Shane Wright
16. Corey Jensen
17. Francis Molo
Reserves
18. Peter Hola
19. Jordan Kahu
20. Dan Russell
21. Emry Pere
