After a painful golden point loss last weekend, the Cowboys will be out to atone in front of their passionate home fans when they take on the Dolphins in Townsville.
The Dolphins also comes off a last start loss, outplayed at home by the Dragons last Saturday in a 38-12 loss.
Dolphins captain and prop Jesse Bromwich has been withdrawn, with Poasa Faamausili to take his spot in the starting line-up.
MATCH CENTRE: North Queensland Cowboys vs Dolphins live scores, stats.
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Kodi Nikorima comes into the Dolphins’ side in place of the injured Anthony Milford. That move allows Isaiya Katoa to switch to his preferred position of halfback.
Edrick Lee will make his Dolphins debut, replacing last week’s first gamer Jack Bostock on the wing.
Meanwhile, North Queensland welcome back fullback Scott Drinkwater with his replacement Tom Chester to come off the bench.
Queensland and Australian representative Reuben Cotter returns after two weeks on the sideline in what will surely be a boost to the home side’s forward pack. Jordan McLean (hamstring) makes way with Mitch Dunn retaining his spot in the starting line-up.
Promising second-rower Heilum Luki will be out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury. Griffin Neame moves from the bench to the second-row to take his place.
TEAMS
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Brendan Elliot 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Mitchell Dunn 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Coen Hess 12. Griffin Neame 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Tomas Chester 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Riley Price 18. Ben Hampton 19. Jack Gosiewski
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Edrick Lee 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 18. Poasa Faamausili 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Herman Ese’ese 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Kurt Donoghoe 20. JJ Collins 22. Robert Jennings
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