Group 4: Roosters and Cowboys to clash at Kootingal on Saturday

The Roosters, who will be playing for the Steve Pepperell Shield, are missing four key men - Chris Vidler, Ryley Mackay, Zac Hatch and Kurt Hartmann.

The loss of Vidler's big frame and strength in the middle is a major blow, while Mackay is a hard-running centre and one of the most improved players in Group 4.

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Hatch has an all-round versatility and defensive ability, with Hartmann's dummy-half play a feature of the Roosters' 2021 season.

His try-scoring ability is also a potent weapon.

Hartmann has been replaced by young Rooster Riley Reid, with the versatile Cameron McDonald to start at prop along with Josh Kevill.

Kooty coach Geoff Sharpe has named rugby union convert Johnny Seabrook in the back-row.

"He's come over from Pirates," Sharpe said.

"He's played centre, back-row - goes all right."

Ben Williams will captain the side again this season.

The outstanding lock is a massive part of the Roosters with his concrete defence and huge work rate.

Sharpe has named former Gunnedah Bulldogs duo Ryan Kelly-Payne and Jacko Brookman in his squad of 17.

"Ryan's a big, young kid," the veteran mentor said.

"Him and Jacko have moved over here and are a couple of handy big bodies."

The Cowboys were yet to name their side.

ROOSTERS: 1 Nic Zahra, 2 Dylan Clarke, 3 Liam Hatch, 4 Kyle Cochrane, 5 Brayden Jerrard, 6 Ethan Parry, 7 Sam Taylor, 8 Cameron McDonald, 9 Riley Reid, 10 Josh Kevill, 11 Johnny Seabrook, 12 Logan Howard, 13 Ben Williams (c), 14 Rhys Davis, 15 Ryan Kelly-Payne, 16 Jacko Brookman, 17 TBA Coach: Geoff Sharpe.

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