North Queensland Toyota Cowboys star middle forward Jason Taumalolo has been named to make his season debut in Friday night’s blockbuster XXXX Derby against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
Taumalolo missed the majority of the pre-season after Lisfranc surgery due to an injury suffered playing for Tonga following the 2024 NRL season.
The 31-year-old made a successful return through the Queensland Cup with the Mackay Cutters last weekend and has been named at prop to take on the Broncos.
Rob Derby will make his first NRL appearance since his debut in 2023, replacing the injured Braidon Burns on the wing.
Halfback Jake Clifford returns for his maiden top grade appearance in 2025 following a disrupted pre-season due to hernia surgery.
Jeremiah Nanai returns on the interchange with Kai O’Donnell holding his spot in the second row.
Friday’s game kicks off at 7pm (QLD).
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Cowboys team to play Broncos:
2. Rob Derby
3. Jaxon Purdue
6. Tom Dearden
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. John Bateman
12. Kai O'Donnell
13. Reuben Cotter
Interchange
14. Sam McIntyre
15. Jeremiah Nanai
16. Griffin Neame
17. Coen Hess
Reserves
18. Harrison Edwards
19. Tom Duffy
20. Tom Mikaele
21. Karl Lawton
22. Jaxson Paulo
