Reigning North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Player of the Year Coen Hess will return from a shoulder injury in Thursday night’s tussle with the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium.
Hess has been sidelined since suffering the injury in the opening exchanges of the Round 3 victory over the Broncos.
The 2021 Paul Bowman Medalist has been named in the front row alongside Jordan McLean with Reuben Cotter reverting to the bench.
Middle forwards Jamayne Taunoa-Brown and Griffin Neame will miss the Raiders clash due to concussion protocols.
Connelly Lemuelu has been named to make his season debut from the interchange. Lemuelu transitioned from centre to second row in the pre-season and has been in strong form for the Northern Pride in the Queensland Cup.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow remains sidelined with a knee injury, which sees Scott Drinkwater don the No.1 jersey for the second straight week.
Thursday’s game kicks off at 7.50pm.
