North Queensland Toyota Cowboys head coach Paul Green has recalled centre Tom Opacic for Friday night’s showdown with Queensland rivals the Gold Coast Titans at 1300SMILES Stadium.
Opacic returns for his first NRL appearance since Round 2 after a string of impressive performances for Cowboys feeder club the Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Cup.
Jordan Kahu moves to fullback in place of Te Maire Martin who has been rested due to migraines.
Superstar lock Jason Taumalolo remains on the reserves list as he edges closer to a return from a knee injury suffered in Round 2.
Justin O’Neill continues his stint on the wing after two strong games since returning to the NRL and will look to build on his right-side combination with centre Enari Tuala.
Josh McGuire has again been named in the second row with John Asiata continuing at lock.
Hooker Kurt Baptiste and forwards Coen Hess, Scott Bolton and Francis Molo make up the interchange.
Taumalolo is joined on the reserves list by prop Corey Jensen, Gideon Gela-Mosby and second-rower Mitch Dunn.
Friday night’s game kicks off at 6pm.
Cowboys team to play Titans:
1. Jordan Kahu
2. Justin O’Neill
3. Tom Opacic
4. Enari Tuala
5. Ben Hampton
6. Jake Clifford
7. Michael Morgan (C)
8. Matt Scott
9. Jake Granville
10. Jordan McLean
11. Gavin Cooper
12. Josh McGuire
13. John Asiata
Interchange
14. Kurt Baptiste
15. Coen Hess
16. Scott Bolton
17. Francis Molo
Reserves
18. Corey Jensen
19. Mitch Dunn
20. Jason Taumalolo
21. Gideon Gela-Mosby
