Big names in the squad include halves Johnathan Thurston and Michael Morgan, hooker Jake Granville, forwards Jason Taumalolo and Ethan Lowe and backs Justin O'Neill, Kyle Feldt, Kane Linnett and Kalyn Ponga.
It will be the first trip to the Auckland Nines for four-time Dally M winner Thurston.
Lachlan Coote, Matt Scott and Antonio Winterstein are among the few big names left in Townsville.
The Cowboys will meet the Roosters, Raiders and Rabbitohs in the group stage.
Full squad:
