Footy is finally back this weekend and the Raiders have named their round one squad to take on the Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday evening.

Danny Levi (Raider #388) and Pasami Saulo (Raider #389) will make their debuts for the Raiders after being named in the starting 13.

Sebastian Kris is a surprise selection at fullback in place of the injured Xavier Savage, while veteran prop Josh Papalii has been ruled out due to a calf injury.

Jordan Rapana and Nick Cotric will start on the wings, while Harley Smith-Shields has been named after missing the entire 2022 season with an ACL injury and will partner Matt Timoko in the centres.

Experienced duo Jack Wighton and Jamal Fogarty will line up in the halves, with Levi getting the start at hooker.

Corey Harawira-Naera has been named in the 13 jersey vacated by Adam Elliott, with skipper Elliott Whitehead and Hudson Young in the second row. Kiwi star Joe Tapine will line up in the front row alongside the debutant Saulo.

Tom Starling will play his usual role off the bench and is joined by Ata Mariota, Corey Horsburgh and Emre Guler on the pine.

North Queensland have named a predictably strong side featuring all of their big names including Valentine Holmes, Tom Dearden, Chad Townsend, Reece Robson, Jeremiah Nanai and Jason Taumalolo.