Cowboys team list: Round 5 v Warriors

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Head Coach Todd Payten has named Scott Drinkwater to make his maiden NRL appearance of the season in Friday night’s clash with the Warriors at Dolphin Oval in Redcliffe.

Drinkwater replaces injured fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who is set to miss 2-3 weeks with a PCL tear.

The Warriors showdown marks Drinkwater’s first fullback appearance at NRL level since Round 2 of last season, although he did produce an impressive performance in the No.1 jersey for the Mackay Cutters a fortnight ago.

Jamayne Taunoa-Brown returns to the starting side after making a successful return from a knee injury against the Roosters.

Taunoa-Brown, who had been sidelined since Round 1, replaces Reuben Cotter, who reverts to the bench.

Coen Hess remains an outside chance of returning from a shoulder injury, which forced him to miss the Roosters clash, after being named in the No.18 jersey.

Ben Hampton also makes his first appearance in Todd Payten’s 24-man squad for 2022 after making his return from a hamstring injury in the Queensland Cup on Sunday.

Friday’s game kicks off at 6pm.

>>> Payten on Drinkwater's return, Hess's chances & an update on HTF