Cowboys.com.au are providing an in-depth positional analysis of the 2022 North Queensland Toyota Cowboys squad. We continue the series with the halves, headlined by star recruit Chad Townsend.
The players are ranked by their NRL experience with their career numbers of games in brackets next to their name.
>>> 2022 squad analysis: Fullback
>>> 2022 squad analysis: Outside backs
>>> 2022 squad analysis: Second row
Chad Townsend (192)
The Cowboys’ star recruit for 2022, Townsend arrives in North Queensland needing just eight more appearances to reach 200 for his career. A premiership winner with the Sharks in 2016, Townsend will provide much-needed experience and leadership to the Cowboys halves.
Ben Hampton (114)
Likely to miss the start of the season through injury, Hampton will come into contention for a spot in Todd Payten’s side upon his return. The 29-year-old enjoyed a career-best run of form in 2021 after finally receiving an extended run in his preferred No.7 jersey.
Scott Drinkwater (51)
Entering his fourth season in North Queensland, Drinkwater has emerged as one of the Cowboys most dynamic attacking weapons. The 24-year-old registered 17 try assists in 2021, just two shy of his team-leading total of 19 from the previous season.
Tom Dearden (34)
A mid-season recruit in 2021, Dearden endeared himself to Cowboys fans through his tenacious style of play. In 12 games with the Cowboys, Dearden crossed for six tries, including four in his final six appearances.
Daejarn Asi (10)
A versatile backline weapon, Asi is equally at home at five-eighth or centre. The 21-year-old has displayed an enormous left boot in his three NRL appearances in the halves.
