Superstar recruit Valentine Holmes will make his North Queensland Toyota Cowboys debut in Saturday’s trial against the Brisbane Broncos at Barlow Park in Cairns.
Holmes has been named at fullback by Cowboys head coach Paul Green, with Scott Drinkwater and Jake Clifford to start in the halves.
Fellow new arrivals Connelly Lemuelu and Reece Robson will also suit up for their first 13-man hit out for the Cowboys after starring in last weekend’s NRL Nines triumph.
Vice-captain Jordan McLean has been confirmed for their first game action of 2020 joining Nines stars Jason Taumalolo, Coen Hess and Shane Wright in a strong forward pack.
Justin O’Neill, Reuben Cotter, Corey Jensen, Francis Molo, Tom Gilbert and Emry Pere will also make their season debuts.
The Barlow Park fixture will serve as the maiden Cowboys appearance for outside back Daejarn Asi. The 19-year-old was promoted to the Cowboys development squad earlier this week after signing a three-year deal running through the 2022 season.
Junior contracted outside back Elijah Anderson will also feature for the Cowboys.
Saturday’s trial kicks off at 7pm.
Cowboys team to play Broncos
1. Valentine Holmes
2. Murray Taulagi
3. Justin O’Neill
4. Dan Russell
5. Connelly Lemuelu
6. Scott Drinkwater
7. Jake Clifford
8. Francis Molo
9. Reece Robson
10. Jordan McLean
11. Coen Hess
12. Shane Wright
13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange
14. Reuben Cotter
15. Mitch Dunn
16. Corey Jensen
17. Peter Hola
18. Tom Gilbert
19. Emry Pere
20. Elijah Anderson
21. Daejarn Asi
