Cowboys NRL team list: Trial v Broncos

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Head Coach Todd Payten has named a 22-man squad for Sunday’s season-opening trial against the Brisbane Broncos at Mackay’s BB Print Stadium.

Jake Clifford has been named captain in his return game in Cowboys colours. The 26-year-old will partner fellow home-grown product Tom Duffy in the halves.

Townsville boy Tom Chester returns from a nine-month stint on the sidelines with an ACL injury at fullback.

>>> Payten: He is a month ahead of schedule

New recruit Viliami Vailea will make his first appearance in Cowboys colours after joining North Queensland from the Warriors. Vailea has been named at centre, partnering speedster Jodeci Baker.

Former Wests Tigers and Titans prop Tom Mikaele will also make his maiden Cowboys appearance. The 26-year-old, who has impressed since joining the club in December, will start at prop alongside Young Guns graduate Emarly Bitungane with Sam McIntyre starting at lock.

Mackay Cutters captain Sean Mullany has been named to start at hooker for the Cowboys. Mullany is one of three feeder club players named in the squad alongside Northern Pride duo Kyle Schneider and Ewan Moore.

Boom Mackay product Jaxon Purdue will make his first Cowboys appearance in front of family and friends in his hometown. The electric half is in his first year in the Cowboys Young Guns program after starring for St Patrick’s Mackay in their march to Aaron Payne Cup glory in 2023.

Purdue is joined in the squad by fellow Young Gun Henry Teutau to face the Broncos.

Sunday’s game kicks off at 3pm.