Cowboys NRL team list: Round 1 v Raiders
James Tamou’s Cowboys comeback is complete. The 2015 premiership winner has won a spot in Todd Payten’s 17 for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ season-opening showdown with the Canberra Raiders at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Tamou has been named on the interchange, which will mark his first Cowboys appearance since 2016. The 34-year-old has appeared in 170 games for North Queensland, the 11th most in club history.
Coen Hess has won the race for the vacant left second-row spot after an impressive pre-season. Hess has spent the majority of the previous two seasons as a middle-forward, but has been forced to shift back to the edge to start 2023.
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown has overcome a rib injury sustained in the NRL All Stars game earlier this month to take his spot on the interchange.
The remainder of Payten’s side remains settled from the 2022 campaign, with lock Jason Taumalolo and halfback Chad Townsend to share captaincy duties again in 2023.
Cowboys fans attending Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday will also have the opportunity to see the club’s best emerging talent and those on the fringe of NRL selection in action, with the Townsville Blackhawks and Northern Pride to clash in a curtain raiser trial match from 1.50pm.
The NRL fixture kicks off at 4.30pm.
>>> Payten on Hess at second row & Tamou's value
Cowboys team to play Raiders:
2. Kyle Feldt
4. Peta Hiku
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend (c)
9. Reece Robson
10. Reuben Cotter
11. Coen Hess
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Jason Taumalolo (c)
Interchange
14. Jake Granville
15. Griffin Neame
17. James Tamou
Reserves
18. Brendan Elliot
19. Riley Price
20. Tom Chester
22. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
