North Queensland Toyota Cowboys co-captain Jason Taumalolo and winger Kyle Feldt will miss Friday’s blockbuster Indigenous Round clash with competition leaders Penrith.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been elevated to the starting side to replace Feldt, who is set to be sidelined for six weeks.
Coen Hess starts at lock in place of Taumalolo, with Reuben Cotter also returning to the starting side at prop.
Hooker Jake Granville and prop Jamayne Taunoa-Brown have been recalled to the side on the interchange.
Taunoa-Brown has been in tremendous form for the Northern Pride in the Queensland Cup. The 25-year-old ran for a monstrous 241 metres from 22 carries in the Pride’s 22-all draw with the Sunshine Coast Falcons last weekend.
New recruit Brendan Frei has been named in the reserves and will travel with the team to Penrith.
Friday’s game kicks off at 6pm.
Cowboys team to play Panthers:
4. Peta Hiku
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend (c)
9. Reece Robson
10. Reuben Cotter
11. Tom Gilbert
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Coen Hess
Interchange
14. Jake Granville
15. Heilum Luki
17. Griffin Neame
Reserves
18. Taniela Sadrugu
19. Ben Hampton
20. Ben Condon
21. Connelly Lemuelu
22. Riley Price
23. Brendan Elliot
24. Brendan Frei
