Cowboys team list: Round 13 v Roosters
Jamal Shibasaki has been named to make his NRL debut in the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys clash with the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Born and bred in Townsville, Shibasaki is the brother of Cowboy No.306 Gehamat and is in his first season with the Cowboys’ NRL squad.
The 18-year-old was named Mal Meninga Cup Player of the Year in 2023 and has spent the early rounds of this season with the Mackay Cutters in the Queensland Cup splitting time between second row and middle forward.
Shibasaki has been named on the interchange alongside Harrison Edwards, who returns for his second game in Cowboys colours.
Tom Chester and Braidon Burns have been recalled for Queensland Origin stars Valentine Holmes and Murray Taulagi at centre and wing respectively.
Jake Clifford has been named at five-eighth in place of Tom Dearden in what will be Clifford’s second game since rejoining his home club.
Newly minted life member Jake Granville will make his first appearance at his preferred position at NRL level this season, with Reece Robson named at hooker for NSW.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Tom Mikaele return to the starting side for Jeremiah Nanai and Reuben Cotter respectively.
Chad Townsend will captain the side in the absence of Cotter and Dearden.
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Cowboys team to play Roosters:
2. Kyle Feldt
3. Tom Chester
7. Chad Townsend (c)
10. Griffin Neame
11. Heilum Luki
13. Tom Mikaele
Interchange
14. Sam McIntyre
15. Harrison Edwards
16. Jamal Shibasaki
17. Jason Taumalolo
Reserves
18. Kaiden Lahrs
19. Tom Duffy
20. Emarly Bitungane
21. Jai Hansen
22. Jaxon Purdue
