Cowboys.com.au are providing an in-depth positional analysis of the 2025 North Queensland Toyota Cowboys squad. We continue the series with a new-look outside backs group headlined by star winger Murray Taulagi.
The players are ranked by their NRL experience with their career numbers of games in brackets next to their name.
>>> Part 1: Fullback
Murray Taulagi (93)
One of the NRL’s premier wingers, Taulagi has been entrenched on the Cowboys’ left wing since early in the 2021 season. The 25-year-old scored 11 tries in 18 appearances last season. Todd Payten has also indicated Taulagi is an option at centre in 2025.
Braidon Burns (66)
The veteran is firmly in the mix for either a centre or wing spot to open the 2025 season. Burns scored five tries in just four games for the Cowboys after arriving mid-season in 2024.
Jaxson Paulo (63)
A new recruit to North Queensland, Paulo has the ability to play either centre or wing. The 25-year-old, who played in a grand final with South Sydney in 2021, has scored 27 tries across five seasons in the NRL.
Semi Valemei (42)
The Fiji International will be one of the leading contenders for the vacant right wing spot. A revelation after joining the Cowboys in 2023, Valemei battled injuries for large chunks of 2024. The 25-year-old has scored 10 tries in his 13 Cowboys appearances.
Viliami Vailea (35)
Vailea locked down the Cowboys’ right centre spot for the back half of the 2024 season after joining the club from the Warriors. A strong ball carrier, Vailea also impressed with his defence during his maiden season in North Queensland.
Tom Chester (12)
Chester will unfortunately miss the 2025 season after suffering an ACL injury.
Jaxon Purdue (8)
A star schoolboy half, Purdue had never played centre until his NRL debut in a memorable victory over the Roosters. The 19-year-old looked at home in the centres, highlighted by a breathtaking match-winning try against the Bulldogs in Round 20. Purdue is also in the mix for the halfback jersey.
Zac Laybutt (8)
Laybutt suffered a cruel ACL injury after bursting out of the blocks in 2024. The skillful 22-year-old is one of the leading contenders for either the vacant left position or the right centre spot he manned before injury struck last season.
Rob Derby (1)
The Cairns product is another leading contender for the right wing spot. Derby endured an injury-interrupted 2024 after making his NRL debut in 2023. The PNG International is a powerful ball-runner who thrives carrying the ball out of his own end.
