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Cowboys 2025 NRL squad analysis - middle forwards

Cowboys.com.au are providing an in-depth positional analysis of the 2025 North Queensland Toyota Cowboys squad. We continue the series with the middle forwards, led by Cowboys Co-Captain Reuben Cotter.

The players are ranked by their NRL experience with their career numbers of games in brackets next to their name.

>>> Part 1: Fullback
>>> Part 2: Outside back
>>> Part 3: Halves

Jason Taumalolo (275)

The Cowboys Life Member now sits just 19 games behind Johnathan Thurston for the most appearances in club history. After an injury interrupted 2023, Taumalolo appeared in 23 of a possible 26 games last season.

Jordan McLean (223)

Returning on a one-year deal, McLean remains a linchpin of the Cowboys forward pack. The 33-year-old continues to be one of the NRL’s best defensive middles, registering a 96 per cent tackle efficiency in 2024.

Coen Hess (165)

A trial-game ACL injury robbed Hess of the entire 2024 campaign. The 28-year-old is on track for a Round 1 return and will again be an integral part of the Cowboys’ forward rotation.

Karl Lawton (104)

The veteran shapes as a straight swap for retiring Cowboys legend Jake Granville. Lawton has started games at hooker, second-row, halfback and centre at NRL level and has also spent extensive time playing as a bench middle forward.

Reuben Cotter (82)

The Cowboys Co-Captain is entrenched as one of the top locks in the NRL. Cotter is an incumbent Queensland and Australian representative and will be one of the Cowboys most important figures again in 2025.

Tom Mikaele (79)

Mikaele made 12 top grade appearances in his maiden season in North Queensland. Blessed with a dangerous offload, the 26-year-old will be gunning for a spot on the Cowboys bench.

Griffin Neame (69)

The incumbent Kiwi International has emerged as an automatic selection in Todd Payten’s team over the last three seasons. Neame played in all 26 games for the Cowboys in 2024.

John Bateman (66)

The English International is the biggest name recruit joining the Cowboys in 2025. The 31-year-old has spent most of his time in the second-row in his storied career, but also started seven games at lock during his time at the Wests Tigers and has been earmarked to spend time at both positions at the Cowboys.

Sam McIntyre (65)

McIntyre played in all 26 games for the Cowboys in 2024 in what was a breakout season in the NRL. The 26-year-old was a defensive workhorse in the middle of the field for the Cowboys, earning himself a two-year contract extension.

Harrison Edwards (32)

Edwards joined the Cowboys mid-season from the Bulldogs in 2024 and played a pivotal role in the club’s march to the finals. A skillful lock, Edwards also spent time at hooker last season.

Jamal Shibasaki (1)

Shibasaki has played more second row in his young career to date, but his 105kg frame also makes him an option in the middle. The Townsville product earned an NRL debut as an 18-year-old in 2024.

Kaiden Lahrs (0)

A second shoulder injury cut short Lahrs’ maiden season in the Cowboys squad. When on field, the 18-year-old was a wrecking ball for the Northern Pride in the Queensland Cup. Lahrs will be looking for a full season at Cup level in 2025.

Wil Sullivan (0)

Sullivan spent 2024 training full time with the Cowboys NRL squad on a Train and Development contract, but has earned an upgrade to the Development List in 2025. A towering middle or edge forward, Sullivan will be looking to play consistently at Queensland Cup level after battling injury last season.

Emarly Bitungane (0)

A powerfully built middle, Bitungane was a standout in the Queensland Cup for the Northern Pride last season. Bitungane was named in the Cowboys extended squad a number of times late in the 2024 campaign.

Mason Kira (0)

The 2024 Queensland Under 19s lock has been earmarked for a bright future in the game. Kira earned a Queensland Cup debut late in the season and held his spot through the Pride’s finals campaign. He also has the ability to play second row.

Acknowledgement of Country

North Queensland Cowboys respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.