Maloney lining up against Cowboys

James Maloney has been cleared to start at standoff for the Vodafone Warriors in their 23rd-round NRL match against North Queensland at Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville tonight (7.30pm kick-off local time).

Maloney was expected to miss a game and maybe two after leaving the field with a medial ligament strain in his left knee early in last Sunday’s clash against Cronulla.

However, he recovered quicker than expected and was rated a slim chance to play when the team flew out for Townsville on Thursday.

His return for his 21st straight appearance of the season means Carlos Tuimavave will again be on the bench for his second NRL outing after becoming Vodafone Warrior No 177 last week.

With Elijah Taylor returning home following his father’s sudden death, Sebastine Ikahihifo will start at loose forward after being named on the bench.

Coming off the interchange to start in the front row in jersey No 14 is Russell Packer, who’ll be playing his 98th NRL match tonight.

VODAFONE WARRIORS v NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville
7.30pm, Saturday, August 11

VODAFONE WARRIORS

1 KEVIN LOCKE
2 BILL TUPOU
3 LEWIS BROWN
4 KONRAD HURRELL
5 MANU VATUVEI (c)
25 JAMES MALONEY
7 SHAUN JOHNSON
14 RUSSELL PACKER
9 NATHAN FRIEND
10 JACOB LILLYMAN
11 FELETI MATEO
12 BEN HENRY
15 SEBASTINE IKAHIHIFO
Interchange:
6 CARLOS TUIMAVAVE
8 SIONE LOUSI
16 MICHEAL LUCK
17 STEVE RAPIRA

HEAD COACH: BRIAN McCLENNAN