North Queensland Toyota Cowboys skipper Jason Taumalolo is on track to return from a fractured hand in Sunday afternoon’s showdown with the Warriors at Central Coast Stadium.
Taumalolo has been named at lock by Cowboys Head Coach Todd Payten, who indicated his captain would still need to complete the week of training before being cleared to play.
>>> Payten: He will have to get through Thursday's contact session
>>> Warriors trio named to return for clash with Cowboys
The 27-year-old replaces Mitch Dunn in the only change to the side who defeated Canberra on Saturday night. Dunn was handed a one-game suspension for a grade one crusher tackle. Taumalolo’s return sees Lachlan Burr revert to the interchange.
Jordan McLean has also been named after suffering a minor hamstring injury against the Raiders. McLean didn’t return to the field in the second half and there were initial fears he could miss multiple games, but is also on track to play as long as he can make it through training without any issues.
Javid Bowen makes his first appearance in Payten’s 21-man squad for the season. Bowen has been in impressive form for the Northern Pride since making his return from a shoulder reconstruction a fortnight ago.
Sunday’s game kicks off at 2pm.
Cowboys team to play Warriors:
2. Kyle Feldt
7. Ben Hampton
8. Coen Hess
9. Reece Robson
10. Jordan McLean
11. Shane Wright
12. Ben Condon
13. Jason Taumalolo (c)
Interchange
14. Jake Granville
15. Lachlan Burr
16. Francis Molo
17. Corey Jensen
Reserves
18. Peter Hola
19. Javid Bowen
20. Tom Gilbert
21. Jake Clifford
