North Queensland Toyota Cowboys head coach Paul Green has confirmed the final make-up of his team ahead of Saturday’s Round 3 National Rugby League match against the Manly Sea Eagles at 1300SMILES Stadium.
Injuries and suspension have forced a team reshuffle – particularly in the forwards – with Green deciding on his bench and some key starting forward spots.
Regular edge back-rower Ethan Lowe will move to the lock position made vacant by the suspended Jason Taumalolo.
Lowe’s spot on the right edge will be taken by Coen Hess, who moves into the starting 13 from the interchange bench.
Green’s four-man interchange bench comprises Ben Hampton, John Asiata, Sam Hoare, and Shaun Fensom, in his Cowboys debut.
Hoare will play his first game of NRL in 19 months as he makes a full-circle return from serious injury which all but ruled him out of the game last year.
The Rockhampton product, 25, made his NRL debut in 2014 and will be playing his 15th match on Saturday.
Fensom – a late recruit from the Raiders – already has 139 NRL games under his belt and will become Cowboy #262 when he runs out on to 1300SMILES Stadium on Saturday.
