Cowboys team list: Round 18 v Sharks
North Queensland Toyota Cowboys coach Todd Payten has named two of his four Queensland State of Origin stars for Friday night’s showdown with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Payten has opted to rest Valentine Holmes and Jeremiah Nanai, but has named five-eighth Tom Dearden and second-rower Tom Gilbert to back-up less than 48 hours after the Origin series decider at Suncorp Stadium.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow replaces Holmes in the centres. Tabuai-Fidow produced his best performance of the season in his only other 2022 starting centre appearance – a two-try display against the Titans in Round 13.
Connelly Lemuelu makes his fourth appearance of the season, replacing Nanai in the second-row.
Murray Taulagi will miss his first game of the season with the star winger remaining in COVID-19 isolation. Brendan Elliot comes into the side on the wing.
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown has been named to start in the front-row with Jordan McLean sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Ben Hampton returns to the side on the interchange for his second NRL appearance of 2022.
Friday’s game kicks off at 6pm.
Cowboys team to play Sharks:
2. Kyle Feldt
4. Peta Hiku
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend (c)
9. Reece Robson
10. Coen Hess
11. Tom Gilbert
12. Connelly Lemuelu
13. Jason Taumalolo (c)
Interchange
14. Jake Granville
15. Luciano Leilua
16. Ben Hampton
17. Griffin Neame
Reserves
18. Tom Chester
19. Emry Pere
20. Kane Bradley
21. Ben Condon
22. Riley Price
