North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Head Coach Todd Payten has been forced to make several late changes for Sunday's clash with the Parramatta Eels.
Viliami Vailea, Harrison Edwards and Tom Mikaele have all been ruled out, which will see forward Nic Lenaz make his NRL debut off the interchange.
A former Manly Jersey Flegg captain, Lenaz joined the Cowboys on a train and trial deal for the pre-season and eventually secured himself a full-time contract for 2025.
Able to play either middle forward or dummy half, Lenaz has made 15 appearances for the Northern Pride this season.
Semi Valemei returns for his first appearance in the top grade since Round 10, 2024, while Kaiden Lahrs has been added to the bench.
Sunday’s game kicks off at 4.05pm.
Cowboys team to play Eels:
19. Semi Valemei
3. Jaxon Purdue
2. Zac Laybutt
7. Tom Dearden (c)
17. Coen Hess
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter (c)
Interchange
14. Emarly Bitungane
16. Kai O’Donnell
20. Nic Lenaz
22. Kaiden Lahrs
Reserves
18. Jaxson Paulo
21. Jamal Shibasaki
