The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys are rolling out the big guns for Friday night’s final pre‑season trial, naming a near full‑strength squad to take on the Penrith Panthers at BB Print Stadium in Mackay.
After resting several stars last week, Head Coach Todd Payten has brought back a long list of heavy hitters including Scott Drinkwater, Murray Taulagi, Tom Dearden, Jason Taumalolo and Reuben Cotter. The club says the energy around the group is building as they sharpen combinations ahead of Round 1.
One of the major talking points is the first appearance of new hooker Reed Mahoney, who will start in Cowboys colours for the very first time. Fellow recruit Soni Luke has been named on the interchange.
Kick‑off is locked in for 7pm AEST, with Payten saying the excitement within the squad is “tangible” as they look to put the finishing touches on their pre‑season.
Backs
- Scott Drinkwater
- Braidon Burns
- Jaxon Purdue
- Zac Laybutt
- Murray Taulagi
Halves
- Jake Clifford
- Tom Dearden (c)
Forwards
- Coen Hess
- Reed Mahoney
- Jason Taumalolo
- Heilum Luki
- Sam McIntyre
- Reuben Cotter (c)
Interchange
- Soni Luke
- Tom Mikaele
- Matt Lodge
- John Bateman
Extended squad
- Liam Sutton
- Mason Barber
- Kai O’Donnell
- Harrison Edwards
- Jaxson Paulo
- Robert Derby
- Ethan King
With a stacked line‑up and several players pushing for Round 1 selection, Friday’s clash in Mackay is shaping up as a must‑watch for Cowboys fans.
