Cowboys coach Todd Payten will hand 21-year-old son of a gun Riley Price an NRL debut off the bench on Sunday against the club his father Steve played 222 games for, and won a premiership with in 1995.
Payten could not hold back his smile when asked about the younger Price's development through Queensland Cup to the NRL, indicating the versatile forward has a long career ahead much like his dad.
"He's been the Blackhawks' most consistent player now for a good couple of years," the Cowboys coach said.
"He's knocked on the door for a little bit, he's been our 18th man, 19th man, and it's a great story about perseverance and consistency.
"He's got a long history in the game with his family. He understands the game and he will get an opportunity to press his ways in in the NRL, which is a lifelong dream for him."
Price's family are expected to turn out in droves at Accor Stadium with the rookie requesting a huge portion of tickets.
When informed, Payten could only laugh and disclosed the most he ever received was four in the 2005 grand final.
"We had to buy the rest and I tapped out at about 30," he said.
Payten's side will be bolstered by the return of centre Peta Hiku who tightens up their right defensive edge.
But preparations to defend imposing forward Kikau have been thrown out the door after the Bulldogs star suffered a head knock at training on Friday.
Canterbury general manager Phil Gould said Kikau's concussion was deemed a category one which will rule him out of their Good Friday clash with South Sydney due to the NRL's 11 day mandatory stand down rule.
It is a massive blow for the Bulldogs who have won just three of their last 12 games against North Queensland stretching back to 2013.
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