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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:

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Rob Derby

3. Jaxon Purdue

4. Viliami Vailea

5. Murray Taulagi

6. Tom Dearden

7. Jake Clifford

8. Jordan McLean

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