Cowboys team list: Round 9 v Broncos
Javid Bowen has been named to return for his first game in the NRL for almost two years in Saturday night’s XXXX Derby blockbuster against arch-rivals Brisbane.
Bowen’s last top-grade outing came in a Round 18 North Queensland Toyota Cowboys clash against South Sydney in 2019.
>>> Payten on Hampton's toughness, duos return
>>> Broncos team list v Cowboys
The Hopevale product spent 2020 with the Northern Pride before being brought back to the Cowboys by new Head Coach Todd Payten in the pre-season on a train and trial contract.
Despite suffering a serious shoulder injury prior to Christmas, Bowen had already impressed enough to earn a one-year deal for 2021.
Jake Clifford returns to the side for his first NRL game since Round 3, replacing Ben Hampton at halfback. Clifford has been in terrific form for the Northern Pride in his three Queensland Cup appearances, including a brilliant match-winning display against arch-rivals Townsville in Round 4.
Hampton is set for an extended stint on the sidelines with a pec injury. Both he and centre Justin O’Neill (knee) were sent for scans on Tuesday, with an update to follow on Wednesday.
Outside back Kane Bradley makes his first appearance in the 21-man squad after joining the Cowboys late in the pre-season. Bradley has been named in the reserves alongside forwards Peter Hola, Mitch Dunn and Tom Gilbert.
Saturday’s XXXX Derby kicks off at 7.35pm
Cowboys team to play Broncos:
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Javid Bowen
8. Coen Hess
9. Reece Robson
10. Jordan McLean
11. Shane Wright
12. Ben Condon
13. Jason Taumalolo (c)
Interchange
14. Jake Granville
15. Lachlan Burr
16. Francis Molo
17. Corey Jensen
Reserves
18. Peter Hola
19. Mitch Dunn
20. Tom Gilbert
21. Kane Bradley
