NRL team list: Round 15 v Dragons

Author: Cowboys.com.au
Timestamp: Tue 25 Jun 2019, 03:48 PM

Scott Drinkwater has been named to play fullback in his North Queensland Toyota Cowboys debut against the St George Illawarra Dragons at WIN Stadium on Friday night.

The 22-year-old only joined the Cowboys on Monday, but head coach Paul Green has wasted no time drafting the skilful fullback into his side.

Drinkwater’s inclusion sees Jordan Kahu move to the centres to partner the in-form Tom Opacic and Enari Tuala shift to the wing.

Cowboys skipper Michael Morgan will wear the No.6 for the first time in 2019, with Green opting to leave young gun Jake Clifford at halfback.

Scott Bolton starts in the front-row in place of the suspended Josh McGuire and will partner Jordan McLean, who returns from a hamstring injury.

Shane Wright has been named to start in the second row with Coen Hess remaining on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Interchange hooker Kurt Baptiste will miss the remainder of the season after tearing an ACL playing for PNG last weekend, allowing youngster Reuben Cotter to come into the side for his second NRL appearance.

Cotter is joined on the interchange by forwards John Asiata, Corey Jensen and Francis Molo.

Matt Scott has been named on the reserves as he attempts to return from a shoulder injury and is joined by forwards Peter Hola and Emry Pere as well as outside back Javid Bowen.

Friday’s game kicks off at 6pm.