Star forward Josh McGuire will make his return from injury in this afternoon’s clash with the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium.

McGuire has been on the sidelines since picking up a calf injury against the Gold Coast Titans in Round 8. The 29-year-old will make his return from the interchange.

Coen Hess will miss the Raiders showdown through a groin injury, with Mitch Dunn replacing him in the second row.

Gideon Gela-Mosby and Shane Wright will make their first NRL appearances of 2019. Gela-Mosby replaces the injured Ben Hampton on the wing, while Wright will start the match on the interchange alongside McGuire, hooker Kurt Baptiste and middle forward Francis Molo.

Justin O’Neill will become the 28th player to appear in 100 games for the Cowboys, joining a prestigious group including teammates Kyle Feldt, John Asiata, Michael Morgan, Matt Scott, Jake Granville, Gavin Cooper and Jason Taumalolo.

This afternoon’s match kicks off at 3pm.

Cowboys team to play Raiders:

1. Jordan Kahu

2. Kyle Feldt

3. Justin O’Neill

4. Tom Opacic

5. Gideon Gela-Mosby

6. John Asiata

7. Michael Morgan (C)

8. Matt Scott

9. Jake Granville

10. Jordan McLean

11. Gavin Cooper

15. Mitch Dunn

13. Jason Taumalolo

Interchange

14. Kurt Baptiste

17. Francis Molo

19. Shane Wright

20. Josh McGuire