Braidon Burns, Jeremiah Nanai and John Bateman have been named to return from injury for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys in Sunday’s clash against the Warriors at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch.
Burns has been named on the wing in his comeback from a hamstring injury, which sees Zac Laybutt shift to centre and Jaxon Purdue to five-eighth.
Nanai slots straight back into the second row, with Sam McIntyre moving to the interchange.
Bateman made a successful return from a long injury lay-off following wrist surgery for the Townsville Blackhawks last weekend. The English International has been named on the interchange to face the Warriors.
Queensland State of Origin squad members Murray Taulagi, Heilum Luki and Reuben Cotter have all been included in Todd Payten’s squad and are expected to make the trip to Christchurch.
Sunday’s game kicks off at 4pm (2pm AEST).
>>> Payten: We want to get him more touches
Cowboys team to play Warriors:
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Tom Chester
6. Jaxon Purdue
8. Tom Mikaele
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Heilum Luki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter (c)
Interchange
14. Soni Luke
15. Griffin Neame
16. Matt Lodge
17. Coen Hess
18. Liam Sutton
19. Sam McIntyre
20. John Bateman
21. Jaxson Paulo
22. Ethan King
23. Wiremu Grieg