Reuben Cotter suspension opens door for North Queensland Cowboys prop to plead selection case
The Cowboys will be without co-captain Reuben Cotter for the next fortnight, giving fan-favourite Tom Mikaele the chance to make his season debut. Read the latest news from Cowboys HQ.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Cowboys prop Thomas Mikaele will make his NRL season debut on Saturday after being called into the team to fill in for suspended co-captain Reuben Cotter.
North Queensland will be without their star forward after Cotter submitted an early guilty plea for a grade 2 careless high tackle on Marata Niukore, opening the door for Mikaele to come into the side.
Mikaele joins the interchange while versatile utility forward Sam McIntyre was named to start at lock.
Cowboys hooker Reece Robson said that the entire team would need to band together to make up for the absence of their workhorse leader.
“It’s obviously a big loss with ‘Reubs’ (Cotter) out for a couple of weeks. He does a mountain of work for us, so not having him out there, we’re definitely going to feel that loss,” Robson said.
“But the likes of Tommy Mikaele getting his (first) start this year, he’s going to be massive coming off the bench for us.
“I think it’s good for the blokes that get their opportunity to be able to get out there and show why they should be there.
“I’ve got full faith in Tommy. I love playing alongside him, so I’m looking forward to him getting out there and showing us what he’s got.”
Mikaele made 12 NRL appearances for the Cowboys in 2024, contributing to eight wins during that time typically used as an interchange forward.
Backrower John Bateman has seen plenty of Mikaele’s play, both as an opponent and as a teammate, and he said the 115kg prop would not let the team down.
“He’s a good player. He’s a good bloke first and foremost, I think that’s a big thing about playing alongside people: you want them to be good people,” Bateman said.
“But yeah, he’s a beast. I’ve played against him in the Super League and I’ve played against him over here.
“I’ve seen what he does at training, he’s a bit of a wrecking ball, so hopefully he can go out there on the weekend and do his job and get the win.”
The Cowboys host the Penrith Panthers on Saturday, May 10. Kick-off is at 7.35pm.
COWBOYS’ ROBSON REPLACEMENT EMERGES AS ORIGIN PERIOD BECKONS
May 7
Scott Drinkwater has thrown his support behind incumbent New South Wales hooker Reece Robson to reclaim his Blues jersey this year, crowning the Cowboys dummy half as the toughest hooker in the NRL.
Robson is currently the frontrunner to wear the Blues’ No.9 jersey when NSW takes on Queensland in Brisbane on May 28, and Drinkwater was confident Robson would be back in Laurie Daley’s squad in a fortnight’s time.
Drinkwater said the Cowboys hooker was in top form heading into the 2025 series.
“I think everyone – everyone in this club, and I’m sure everyone from New South Wales – after his series last year knows what you’re going to get when ‘Robbo’ puts that jersey on for them,” Drinkwater said.
“He’s the toughest hooker in the comp and he’s the best defensive hooker in the comp.
“If you watch the Origin games it’s all built on being tough and bashing each other, and that’s what Robbo does.
“So I have no doubt that he will be in the squad somewhere, for sure, and he deserves it.”
The Murwillumbah junior has played every minute of the 2025 season, bar a 10-minute sit down in round 5 when he was sin-binned while playing the Panthers, and he has made at least 41 tackles in all eight appearances this year, missing no more than three in any game.
Robson maintained that his focus was still in club-land while revealing he had spoken to incoming NSW coach Daley a “couple of times” this year.
“Obviously at the forefront of my mind at the moment is just playing for the Cows and making sure we’re getting the wins on the board there. But yeah, I’ve had a couple of chats with Laurie throughout the year – we had the pre-season camp and a few meetings throughout the year,” Robson said.
“If that call does come in the coming weeks to play for the Blues, obviously it’s always an honour and I’ll be ready to take that.
“You’re always just trying to build your game no matter what it’s for. You obviously want to play your best football when you’re getting into Origin, but you try and develop your game anyway, just to be the best you can be week to week for the club you’re playing for.”
As for who might take over dummy half duties for North Queensland during the Origin period, Cowboys fans could get a glimpse of the future at who could replace Robson when he joins the Roosters in 2026.
Last year the Cowboys looked to versatile middle forward Harry Edwards to play hooker while Robson was on NSW duty, and while the 24-year-old said he was up for the task he suggested Karl Lawton would be the man coach Todd Payten selects.
“I’m definitely in and around there, obviously ‘Karlos’ Lawton is there as well,” Edwards said.
“I always get a few reps in at hooker, but I think Karlos is in and around the club and he’s waiting in the wings for an opportunity.”
Robson agreed that Lawton was emerging as the first choice to replace him.
“Karl has played a lot of first grade himself, and he’s a great dummy half,” Robson said.
“So the likes of him, if he’s stepping into that role, then he’ll do a great job. (I trust) any other boys that Toddy (Payten) and the coaching staff (select), if they decide to go another way, but ‘Lawto’ has got it covered and he’ll be great.”
The Cowboys host the Penrith Panthers on Saturday, May 10. Kick-off is at 7.35pm.
More Coverage
Originally published as Reuben Cotter suspension opens door for North Queensland Cowboys prop to plead selection case
Join the conversation
‘Second to none’: Touch star gears up for Origin showdown
Fresh from conquering the Kiwis in the Trans-Tasman, Rockhampton’s Harry Griffin is now readying to battle the Blues. He explains why playing State of Origin means so much.
Read more
Central Qld cowboy defies injury to star on debut in Origin opener
Teenager Thomas Triplett has helped lead the Maroons to victory in the PBR State of Origin series opener, earning big wraps from team coach Jared Borghero.
Read more