5 things you should know about rep week

Author: Cowboys.com.au
Timestamp: Wed 20 Jun 2018, 04:26 PM

With the NRL on a competition-wide bye, we take a look at the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys stars featuring for their various representative sides this weekend.

1. SEASONED PRO

Gavin Cooper may only be four games into his State of Origin career, but the Cowboys second-rower has emerged as one of the leaders of the Queensland side after the rep retirements of Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk. The 32-year-old produced a gutsy 80-minute performance in a beaten side in Game One, ploughing through 40 tackles while missing only two.

2. YOUNG BULL

Coen Hess played an integral role in Queensland's come-from-behind series win in 2017 after being drafted in the side in Game Two by Kevin Walters. The 21-year-old again provided significant punch from the interchange in the series opener at the MCG, registering 48 metres and 24 tackles in just 33 minutes.

3. TONGA PROUD

Jason Taumalolo pledging his allegiance to Tonga transformed last year's World Cup. The Cowboys superstar will again turn out for the Mate Ma'a in Saturday's mouthwatering clash with Samoa at Campbelltown Stadium. Taumalolo will lead a star-studded Tonga forward pack which also includes Cronulla enforcer Andrew Fifita, Roosters prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Manly young gun Addin Fonua-Blake.

4. KIWI KID

Te Maire Martin has been in fantastic form for the Cowboys since returning to the starting line-up in Round 11 and has been rewarded with a spot in the historic Denver Test against England by New Zealand coach Michael Maguire. Martin has previously appeared in three games for the Kiwis, including a sensational three-try performance against Scotland in last year's World Cup.

5. RISING STAR

Jake Clifford is still eligible to play under-20s this season, but the young Cowboys playmaker has been so impressive during his first season in senior football he was named as 18th man for the Queensland Residents side to take on NSW at ANZ Stadium on Sunday. Clifford leads the Queensland Cup with 129 points from 14 games this season.