North Queensland Toyota Cowboys coach Todd Payten has named two of his four Queensland State of Origin stars for Friday night’s showdown with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Payten has opted to rest Valentine Holmes and Jeremiah Nanai, but has named five-eighth Tom Dearden and second-rower Tom Gilbert to back-up less than 48 hours after the Origin series decider at Suncorp Stadium.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow replaces Holmes in the centres. Tabuai-Fidow produced his best performance of the season in his only other 2022 starting centre appearance – a two-try display against the Titans in Round 13.
Connelly Lemuelu makes his fourth appearance of the season, replacing Nanai in the second-row.
Murray Taulagi will miss his first game of the season with the star winger remaining in COVID-19 isolation. Brendan Elliot comes into the side on the wing.
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown has been named to start in the front-row with Jordan McLean sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Ben Hampton returns to the side on the interchange for his second NRL appearance of 2022.
Friday’s game kicks off at 6pm.
