Coen Hess returns from suspension for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys opening finals game against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks on Saturday night.
Hess missed last weekend’s regular season finale against Penrith after accepting a one-match suspension. The 26-year-old has been named on the interchange with Jamayne Taunoa-Brown reverting to the reserves.
Tom Dearden takes his place at five-eighth after making a successful return from a ruptured testicle last weekend.
Dearden is one of nine Cowboys named to make his finals debut alongside Scott Drinkwater, Murray Taulagi, Reece Robson, Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Tom Gilbert and Griffin Neame.
Saturday’s game kicks off a 7.50pm.
>>> Payten on Hess's return, final bench spot & finals footy
Cowboys team to play Sharks:
2. Kyle Feldt
4. Peta Hiku
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend (c)
9. Reece Robson
10. Reuben Cotter
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Jason Taumalolo (c)
Interchange
15. Tom Gilbert
16. Coen Hess
17. Griffin Neame
Reserves
19. Tom Chester
20. Jake Granville
21. Brendan Elliot
22. Ben Hampton
