Representative second-rower Jeremiah Nanai returns from suspension to battle the Melbourne Storm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The 20-year-old has been sidelined since Round 9, missing North Queensland’s previous four games. Nanai has been named on the interchange with Heilum Luki and Luciano Leilua continuing in the second row.
North Queensland’s three State of Origin representatives, Murray Taulagi, Valentine Holmes and Reuben Cotter, have been named in the reserves and will be assessed upon their return home on Thursday afternoon.
Maroons 18th man Tom Dearden has been named at five-eighth after missing last weekend’s clash with Parramatta.
New recruit Semi Valemei replaces last week’s debutant Rob Derby, who picked up a minor quad injury at training on Tuesday morning, on the wing. Valemei could be in-line for a Cowboys debut, pending the fitness of Taulagi.
Co-captain Jason Taumalolo has been named in the reserves as he closes in on a return from injury.
Sunday’s game kicks off at 4.05pm
>>> Payten on Origin quartet, Nanai's return & the wing spot
Cowboys team to play Storm:
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Peta Hiku
5. Semi Valemei
6. Tom Dearden
7. Chad Townsend (c)
9. Reece Robson
10. Coen Hess
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Heilum Luki
13. Jake Granville
Interchange
14. Jack Gosiewski
15. Jeremiah Nanai
17. Griffin Neame
Reserves
19. Brendan Elliot
20. Jason Taumalolo
21. Ben Hampton
22. Valentine Holmes
23. Reuben Cotter
24. Murray Taulagi
