If the Cowboys have any hope of playing finals this year they’ll need to kickstart a run of wins when they take on the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.
The Dolphins also have plenty to play for after dropping out of the top eight following their loss to the Sharks last week.
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It will be a battle of the x-factor fullbacks and star playmakers when the two Queensland teams go head-to-head.
The Dolphins’ speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow returns from Origin duty to face-off against the Cowboys’ fullback Scott Drinkwater.
Meanwhile, reigning Wally Lewis Medalist Tom Dearden will go up against one of the form halves of the competition in Isaiya Katoa.
Jake Averillo has shifted to five-eighth in a late change to partner Katoa in the halves, while last week’s debutant Tevita Naufahu slots onto the wing for the Dolphins.
Following last week’s loss to the Bulldogs, Cowboys coach Todd Payten made a backline change, dropping Robert Derby and replacing him with Jaxson Paulo. Veteran prop Jordan McLean will miss the game due to calf and ankle niggles, with Tom Mikaele to start in his place.
TEAMS
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Max Feagai 4. Herbie Farnworth 18. Tevita Naufahu 5. Jake Averillo 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Francis Molo 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Aublix Tawha 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Oryn Keeley 13. Kurt Donoghoe 14. Harrison Graham 15. Ray Stone 16. Josh Kerr 17. Peter Hola. 18th man: 19. Kenny Bromwich
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Jaxson Paulo 3. Braidon Burns 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Thomas Mikaele 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Harrison Edwards 14. Karl Lawton 15. Kaiden Lahrs 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess. 18th man: 19. Robert Derby
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