North Queensland Toyota Cowboys vice-captain Jordan McLean has been named to return from a calf injury for Saturday’s showdown with the Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium.
McLean was a late withdrawal from Paul Green’s team to face the Broncos in Round 21 after picking up a minor calf complaint at captain’s run.
The 27-year-old will have a new front-row partner in Matt Scott, who has been named to start in place of the suspended Josh McGuire.
Jordan Kahu will also make his injury return, coming on to the wing for Gideon Gela-Mosby.
Kahu has been on the sidelines since suffering a facial fracture against the Roosters in Round 17.
Young gun Reuben Cotter has been named to make his third NRL appearance. The talented dummy-half will start from the interchange alongside forwards John Asiata, Scott Bolton and Francis Molo.
Peter Hola reverts back to the reserves after a promising NRL debut against Brisbane and is joined by fellow forwards Tom Gilbert and Corey Jensen as well as outside back Murray Taulagi.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 3pm.
Cowboys team to play Knights:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Coen Hess
4. Tom Opacic
5. Jordan Kahu
6. Michael Morgan (C)
7. Jake Clifford
8. Matt Scott
9. Jake Granville
10. Jordan McLean (VC)
11. Gavin Cooper
12. Shane Wright
13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange
14. Reuben Cotter
15. John Asiata
16. Scott Bolton
17. Francis Molo
Reserves
18. Peter Hola
19. Tom Gilbert
20. Corey Jensen
21. Murray Taulagi
