Broncos, Cowboys teams named for Derby clash

The Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys have announced their teams for the NRL season opening blockbuster this Friday night in Brisbane.

Amongst the selections, is the confirmation that Broncos’ fullback Karmichael Hunt will start at halfback, while the Cowboys will go into the match without veteran centre, and former captain, Paul Bowman.

Shane Perry unfortunately misses out after filling the halfback role during the premiership decider last October.

Hunt’s move to the halves, where he will partner Darren Lockyer, is aimed at stopping the influence of the Cowboys halfback, and first time captain, Jonathan Thurston.

Justin Hodges takes his place at fullback with youngster Joel Moon moving into the vacated centre position. After a stellar showing in the English trial matches, Stephen Michaels has again been named on the wing.

The Cowboys meanwhile have named an 18-man squad with second rower Scott Bolton named on the bench to make his first grade debut.

Joining Bolton on the bench will be Rod Jensen, who has recovered from a shoulder reconstruction.

Veteran centre and foundation player Paul Bowman however will not be there after he missed all three Cowboys trial matches following a neck surgery setback.

Bowman, who has not played since last July has been named in the feeder team, the Young Guns, which will play the curtain raiser match on Friday.

Coach Graham Murray said it was hard to displace both centres – Ashley Graham and Neil Sweeney.

Brisbane Broncos: 1. Justin Hodges, 2. Steve Michaels, 3. Brent Tate, 4. Joel Moon, 5. Darius Boyd, 6. Darren Lockyer (capt), 7. Karmichael Hunt; 8. Dane Carlaw, 9. Shaun Berrigan, 10. Petero Civoniceva, 11. Corey Parker, 12. Brad Thorn, 13. Tonie Carroll. Interchange: 14. Sam Thaiday, 15. Ben Hannant, 16. Greg Eastwood, 17. Shane Perry.

North Queensland Cowboys: 1. Matt Bowen, 2. Brenton Bowen, 3. Mark Henry, 4. Ashley Graham, 5. Neil Sweeney, 6. Jason Smith, 7. Jonathan Thurston (capt); 8. Matthew Scott, 9. Aaron Payne, 10. Carl Webb, 11. Steve Southern, 12. Luke O’Donnell, 13. Justin Smith. Interchange: 14. Rod Jensen, 15. Jacob Lillyman, 16. Sione Faumuina, 17. Shane Tronc, 18. Scott Bolton. *One to be omitted.

NRL Round 1:

Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Friday night, March 16
Kick-off: 7:30pm (QLD/AEST), 8:30pm (AEDST).

Channel 9 has live coverage in Queensland from 7:30pm. New South Wales viewers can catch a replay from 9:30pm local time (or following the Storm-Tigers match).

Late night League returns to Fox Sports 2 from 12am-midnight (AEDST). Check local guides for more information.

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