Nicho Hynes and the Cronulla Sharks host Tom Dearden and the North Queensland Cowboys in a crucial clash at Sharks Stadium.
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There are two huge inclusions for Cronulla, with Siosifa Talakai (illness) and Briton Nikora (concussion) returning to the team after they didn’t play against the Rabbitohs.
Billy Burns is relegated to the interchange and covers the gap left by Toby Rudolf, who has a concussion.
Tom Hazelton (collarbone) has been named in the reserves as he nears his return.
Tanzanian-born Emarly Bitungane joins the bench and will make his NRL debut in Round 22. Bitungane will become just the second African-born player in the NRL era.
The 22-year-old plays in the middle forwards but only began his rugby league journey seven years ago, starting on the wing.
Bitungane’s first glimpse of rugby league came after his friends asked him to fill in for their school team, who were battling with a shortage of players and from there his talent was clear. The rising star moved to Australia as a refugee around the age of six or seven, growing up in Brisbane, rugby league’s heartland.
It was only three years ago that Bitungane made a move to the forwards, marking a rapid rise to first grade which he credits Reuben Cotter for as a crucial mentor.
“He helps me a lot, especially before and post training with the extras. We’re similar body builds so kind of learning off him and his experience means a lot,” Bitungane said.
Bitungane comes into the team for Karl Lawton, who has been suspended, while Jake Clifford (quad) has been named to return at five-eighth.
TEAMS
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Billy Burns 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Hohepa Puru 20. Mawene Hiroti 21. Thomas Hazelton 22. Samuel Stonestreet
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Harrison Edwards 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Emarly Bitungane 15. Kaiden Lahrs 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess 18. Jaxson Paulo 19. Nicholas Lenaz 20. Mason Kira 21. Jamal Shibasaki 22. Dane Aukafolau
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