The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Under-20s have received a boost heading into today’s National Youth Competition elimination final against Manly with dynamic fullback Kalyn Ponga cleared to play.
Injuring his shoulder while playing for the Cowboys’ National Rugby League team against the Sharks in Round 25, Ponga hasn’t played footy for a fortnight, but got the all-clear to resume his fullback spot for Under-20s coach Aaron Payne today.
Ponga will wear the No.22 jersey and his inclusion at fullback has triggered a slew of personnel and positional changes heading into the match.
Nathan Trail moves from fullback into the centres, with Cody Maughan moving from centres to the back row and Hiale Roycroft shifting on to the interchange bench. Interchange forwards Jack Lote and Kaleb Fuimaono move out of the 17 all together as Jack Glossop comes into the team, joining Roycroft, Kyle Paterson and Jayden Stephens on the bench.
The game kicks off at 11.15am at Allainz Stadium today.
North Queensland Toyota Cowboys NYC v Manly Sea Eagles NYC
Week 1, National Youth Competition Finals
11.15am, Sunday 10 September, Allianz Stadium
Tickets: nrl.com/finals
22. Kalyn Ponga
2. Michael Carroll
3. Enari Tuala
1. Nathan Traill
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Mitch Dunn ©
7. Jake Clifford
8. Connor Luhan
9. Calum Gahan
10. Emry Pere
4. Cody Maughan
12. Ryan Lloyd
13. Corey Horsburgh
Interchange:
11. Hiale Roycroft
14. Kyle Paterson
15. Jayden Stephens
18. Jack Glossop
Coach: Aaron Payne
