NRL team list: Round 1 v Dragons

Author: Cowboys.com.au
Timestamp: Tue 12 Mar 2019, 04:00 PM

Jordan Kahu, Tom Opacic, Nene Macdonald and Josh McGuire will make their North Queensland Toyota Cowboys debuts in Saturday’s season-opening showdown with the St George Illawarra Dragons at 1300SMILES Stadium.

Kahu, Opacic and Macdonald are all part of an exciting new-look back five named by head coach Paul Green, while McGuire has been named on the interchange.

Javid Bowen has been rewarded for an excellent pre-season with a spot on the wing, taking the spot of Kyle Feldt who picked up a groin injury at training late last week.

Dragons name team to take on the Cowboys

Te Maire Martin has won the battle to partner new skipper Michael Morgan in the halves, with young gun Jake Clifford named in the reserves.

Matt Scott and Jordan McLean retain the front-row spots they manned during both pre-season trials, while Jason Taumalolo moves back to his favoured No.13 jersey after starting in the second-row in the final trial against Melbourne.

Gavin Cooper returns to the starting side to partner Coen Hess in the second-row, while Jake Granville will start at hooker.

Joining McGuire on the bench are fellow middle forwards John Asiata and Francis Molo as well as utility Mitch Dunn.

Clifford and outside backs Ben Hampton, Gideon Gela-Mosby and Enari Tuala make up the reserves.

The Cowboys have dedicated their Round 1 clash to raising funds for flood victims in Townsville and north-west Queensland. Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumental performing artist Dami Im will headline ‘Together for North Queensland’, with the NRL also announcing they will donate $100 for every point scored across the eight Round 1 matches.

Saturday’s game kicks off at 6.35pm (AEST).

Cowboys team to play Dragons:

1. Jordan Kahu

2. Nene Macdonald

3. Justin O’Neill

4. Tom Opacic

5. Javid Bowen

6. Te Maire Martin

7. Michael Morgan (C)

8. Matt Scott

9. Jake Granville

10. Jordan McLean