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Cowboys v Knights: McLean returns; Young gun set to debut

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94ddz.com
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The North Queensland Cowboys and Newcastle Knights are set to face off in an early preview of next year's season-opening clash in Las Vegas. 

The two teams will play in a bumper triple-header at Allegiant Stadium in the NRL's third trip to the US entertainment capital. 

First, however, they will face off in a crucial late-season showdown at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. 

Todd Payten's men suffered a devastating one-point loss to the Eels last week but there were plenty of positive signs at a wet CommBank Stadium. 

The Cowboys will be hoping for a dry track in their return to Townsville as they look to unleash their high-octane attack. 

Newcastle also lost in the wet last week when they fell to Penrith at McDonald Jones Stadium and they're desperate to snap a five-game losing streak. 

It's been a tough season for the Knights but emerging edge forward Jermaine McEwen has proven a bright spot in the Hunter.

Team News

Cowboys: Experienced forward Jordan McLean (calf) is back to fill the void left by Coen Hess' season-ending suspension. Karl Lawton joins the bench having served a two-game suspension while Thomas Mikaele (knee) and Harrison Edwards (infection) also return. Marly Bitungane, Nicholas Lenaz and Kaiden Lahrs make way. No changes in Saturday's team update.

Knights: Teenager Connor Votano makes his NRL debut at fullback with Dane Gagai returning to the centres and Fletcher Hunt dropping out. Tyson Frizell comes into the starting side at lock in the absence of Phoenix Crossland (head knock). A new-look bench includes the recalled Brodie Jones and NSW Cup captain Matt Arthur, who plays just his second NRL game of the season. No changes in Saturday's team update. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater
    Fullback for Knights is number 1 Connor Votano
  • Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Semi Valemei
    Winger for Knights is number 2 Dominic Young
  • Centre for Cowboys is number 3 Jaxon Purdue
    Centre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai
  • Centre for Cowboys is number 18 Viliami Vailea
    Centre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best
  • Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Braidon Burns
    Winger for Knights is number 5 Greg Marzhew
  • Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Jake Clifford
    Five-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Jake Arthur
  • Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Tom Dearden
    Halfback for Knights is number 7 Jack Cogger

Forwards

  • Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLean
    Prop for Knights is number 8 Jacob Saifiti
  • Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Reece Robson
    Hooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden Brailey
  • Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Jason Taumalolo
    Prop for Knights is number 10 Leo Thompson
  • 2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 John Bateman
    2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Jermaine McEwen
  • 2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai
    2nd Row for Knights is number 12 Kai Pearce-Paul
  • Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Reuben Cotter
    Lock for Knights is number 13 Tyson Frizell

Interchange

  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 4 Zac Laybutt
    Interchange for Knights is number 14 Matthew Arthur
  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Karl Lawton
    Interchange for Knights is number 15 Mat Croker
  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Harrison Edwards
    Interchange for Knights is number 16 Thomas Cant
  • Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Thomas Mikaele
    Interchange for Knights is number 17 Brodie Jones

Reserves

  • Replacement for Cowboys is number 16 Kai O'Donnell
    Replacement for Knights is number 19 James Schiller

Match Officials

  • Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins

Last updated:

Stat Attack 

  • The Cowboys have won their last four games against the Knights.
  • The Knights have not won in Townsville since 2015.
  • Cowboys winger Semi Valemei has scored nine tries in his last eight games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
  • Knights centre Fletcher Hunt is on a three-game try scoring streak.
  • Cowboys halfback Tom Dearden has scored a try in his last four games against the Knights.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the 

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