Johnathan Thurston will make his long awaited Auckland Nines debut this weekend after North Queensland confirmed his selection on Tuesday.
Thurston will finally be unleashed at Eden Park after missing the first three Auckland campaigns, sharing the Nines captaincy reins with Queensland back-rower Gavin Cooper.
Thurston spearheads a strong squad also featuring Dally M Medallist Jason Taumalolo, Kangaroos utility Michael Morgan, Queensland flyer Justin O'Neill, NRL prodigy Kalyn Ponga and Maroons wing contender Kyle Feldt.
The inaugural 2014 Nines champions have also named recruits ex-Melbourne playmaker Ben Hampton and former Titans back-rower Shane Wright.
Back-rower Ethan Lowe has been named to make his return after a spinal injury ended his 2016 finals campaign.
While excited about Thurston's Nines debut, Cowboys coach Paul Green was also looking forward to watching his youngsters run out on to Eden Park.
Queensland Emerging Origin back-rower Coen Hess, flyer Gideon Gela-Mosby, Shaun Hudson and young lock Corey Jensen also feature in the Cowboys squad.
"I always said this Nines squad would allow some of the younger guys and newer faces at our club the chance to impress," Green said.
"The squad's a good mix of the lesser experienced players with the guys who have played a bit more footy, and who do well in this format.
"I think the Nines is a great tournament. It's a little bit less pressure and everyone seems to be in a more relaxed mood, from the coaches to the players."
The Cowboys fly out for Auckland on Wednesday.
They play Nines pool games against Sydney Roosters, Canberra and South Sydney.
Cowboys' Auckland Nines squad: John Asiata, Javid Bowen, Gavin Cooper (capt), Kyle Feldt, Gideon Gela-Mosby, Jake Granville, Ben Hampton, Coen Hess, Shaun Hudson, Corey Jensen, Kane Linnett, Ethan Lowe, Michael Morgan, Justin O'Neill, Kalyn Ponga, Jason Taumalolo, Johnathan Thurston (capt), Shane Wright.
