Bowen name back for Cowboys

The nephew of North Queensland great Matt Bowen will attempt to follow in his uncle's famous footsteps when he makes his NRL debut for the Cowboys on Saturday night.

Javid Bowen, 22, has held out Matt Wright to win the race to replace centre Kane Linnett (shoulder) ahead of their home clash with St George Illawarra.

At 193cm and 91kg, Javid Bowen may appear very different to his diminutive uncle but they share a relaxed, low-key approach.

"He doesn't get too excited about too many things," Cowboys coach Paul Green said of Javid Bowen.

"I told him (of his NRL debut) over the phone but I did detect a hint of excitement in his voice so hopefully he shows that enthusiasm at training for the rest of the week."

The Bowen name still remains synonymous with the Cowboys.

Games record holder Matt Bowen had one last hurrah in Cowboys colours at this year's Auckland Nines before taking up a development role at his beloved club.

But Green was excited that another member of the Bowen family was about to start their NRL journey.

"That's the rewarding part of the job, it's a big moment of their lives and footy careers," Green said of granting an NRL debut.

"Matt Wright was in the frame given he's done the job for us in the past but Javid has played well (at Queensland Cup level) for a while.

"He's got good speed, good footwork.

"Now's as good a time as ever to find out about him at NRL level."

Green believed Javid Bowen would provide more attacking options than Linnett who has been sidelined for a month.

"He's a different player to Kane," Green said of Bowen who joined the fulltime Cowboys squad in 2014 but been hampered by injury.

"He brings a bit more attacking spark.

"But it's important he plays his own game and not come in and try and be someone else."

Before Bowen's selection, Green had used the same 17 players in seven straight games plus February's World Club Challenge win over Leeds in England.

The previous record in the NRL era since 1998 was four straight games.