Ebony Raftstrand-Smith has been named to make her NRLW debut in Sunday’s battle with the St George Illawarra Dragons at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The younger sister of North Queensland Toyota Cowboys star second rower Tiana, Raftstrand-Smith was one of the breakout stars of the BMD Premiership season for the Mackay Cutters. The 18-year-old scored four tries and broke 16 tackles in 10 games.
Essay Banu has been elevated to the starting side to replace injured prop Makenzie Weale, who suffered a concussion in Round 1.
Experienced forwards Sareka Mooka and Shaniah Power join the interchange.
Sunday’s game kicks off at 6.10pm.
>>> Henry on Raftstrand-Smith making debut, update on Weale & changes to bench
Cowboys team to play Dragons:
7. Kirra Dibb
10. Essay Banu
11. China Polata
13. Bree Chester
Interchange
14. Alisha Foord
15. Lily Peacock
16. Sareka Mooka
17. Shaniah Power
Reserves
18. Harata Butler
19. Jetaya Faifua
20. Lillian Yarrow
21. Vitalina Naikore
22. Shellie Long
