North Queensland Toyota Cowboys prop Jordan McLean is set to become the 19th player in club history to appear in 150 games in Cowboys colours when he takes the field to face The Dolphins at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday night.
A model of consistency since joining the club in 2018, McLean has appeared in at least 22 games for four consecutive seasons.
McLean’s milestone comes on the same night as the NRL debut of 19-year-old prop Kaiden Lahrs, who will become Cowboy No.325.
Remarkably, McLean played alongside Lahrs’ father, former Kangaroos and NSW prop Tom Learoyd-Lahrs at the Storm in 2015.
Lahrs’ debut caps off a rapid rise after beginning the season in the under 19s Mal Meninga Cup competition, before starring in the Queensland Cup with the Townsville Blackhawks.
Fullback Scott Drinkwater will captain the Cowboys for the first time in his career.
Representative duo Murray Taulagi and Jason Taumalolo have been named to return from calf injuries at wing and prop respectively.
Braidon Burns returns at centre to replace the suspended Viliami Vailea, while Kai O’Donnell starts in the second row to replace John Bateman, who is also serving a one-game suspension.
Jake Clifford and Karl Lawton return to the side at halfback and hooker respectively with Tom Dearden and Reece Robson on Origin duty.
Sam McIntyre shifts to second row, replacing Jeremiah Nanai, while Taumalolo starts at lock for Reuben Cotter.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 7.35pm.
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Cowboys team to play The Dolphins:
1. Scott Drinkwater (c)
2. Rob Derby
3. Zac Laybutt
6. Jaxon Purdue
9. Karl Lawton
10. Coen Hess
11. Sam McIntyre
12. Kai O’Donnell
13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange
14. Harrison Edwards
15. Tom Mikaele
16. Griffin Neame
17. Kaiden Lahrs
Reserves
18. Tom Duffy
19. Semi Valemei
20. Jaxson Paulo
21. Emarly Bitungane
22. Mason Kira
