Sam McIntyre has been promoted to start at lock for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys clash with the Penrith Panthers at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday night.
McIntyre replaces suspended Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter, who will miss the club’s next two matches.
Tom Mikaele has been named to make his 2025 NRL season debut against the Panthers from the interchange after a strong run of form in the Queensland Cup with the Mackay Cutters.
The remainder of Todd Payten’s 17 remains unchanged from last weekend’s game against the Warriors.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 7.35pm.
>>> Payten: I'm excited about his opportunity this week
Cowboys team to play Panthers:
2. Rob Derby
3. Jaxon Purdue
6. Tom Dearden (c)
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Sam McIntyre
Interchange
14. Harrison Edwards
15. Tom Mikaele
16. Griffin Neame
17. Coen Hess
Reserves
18. Zac Laybutt
19. Tom Duffy
20. Semi Valemei
21. Karl Lawton
22. Kai O’Donnell
