Cowboys NRLW team list: Round 6 v Eels

Mackay product Libby Surha will make her NRLW debut in Saturday’s clash with the Parramatta Eels at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

A hard-running second-rower, Surha began the season on a Development contract, but has been elevated to the top squad after a season-ending foot injury to Shaniah Power.

Surha was named Rookie of the Year for the Mackay Cutters in the BMD Premiership this season.

Krystal Blackwell returns to the side on the wing, replacing Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly, who suffered a torn ACL against Cronulla last weekend. Blackwell played five-eighth in the first two games of the season, but has experience at every backline position.

China Polata reverts to the interchange with Cowboys Head Coach Ben Jeffries indicating Polata will spend the remainder of the season playing as a forward after splitting time between middle forward and wing.

Saturday’s game kicks off at 11.05am

Cowboys team to play Eels:

1. Fran Goldthorp

2. Vitalina Naikore

3. Jasmine Peters

4. Shellie Long

5. Krystal Blackwell

6. Tahlulah Tillett

7. Kirra Dibb

8. Tallisha Harden

9. Emma Manzelmann

10. Makenzie Weale

11. Bree Chester

12. Libby Surha

13. Tiana Raftstrand-Smith

Interchange

14. Jetaya Faifua

15. Jessikah Reeves

16. China Polata

17. April Ngatupuna

Reserves

18. Sareka Mooka

19. Mia Middleton

20. Sera Koroi

21. Merewalesi Rokouono

22. Essay Banu