We take a look at the key talking points heading into Sunday’s second and final trial game of the 2025 pre-season against the Melbourne Storm.
1. HANDLING THE HEAT
English recruit John Bateman has earned rave reviews from Todd Payten and his coaching staff since arriving in North Queensland in January and on Sunday Cowboys fans will have the opportunity to see the 31-year-old in action for the first time. Bateman has earned a starting second-row spot and shapes as an even more important piece for the Cowboys following the season-ending injury to Heilum Luki.
2. WHO’S OUT WIDE?
Payten admitted earlier this week that Braidon Burns has his nose in front to win the vacant right wing spot for Round 1. Burns has been named to start on Sunday, forming a new right edge combination with Viliami Vailea. Jaxon Purdue has been named to start at left centre, another position which is up for grabs heading into the final trial game.
3. NO HALF MEASURES
Townsville product Tom Duffy will have the final shot to earn the Cowboys No.7 jersey to begin the season. Duffy has been named at halfback to face the Storm, with Jake Clifford remaining sidelined following hernia surgery.
4. ENGINE ROOM
With Jason Taumalolo still out of action with a Lisfranc injury, Sam McIntyre has been named to start at prop to face the Storm. With Griffin Neame and Coen Hess also in the middle forward rotation, Harrison Edwards, Karl Lawton, Kai O’Donnell and Tom Mikaele will duke it out for final spots on the interchange.
