Kaiden Lahrs, son of Canberra Raiders enforcer Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, to make debut for Cowboys against Dolphins
Son of a gun set to make his debut in Qld derby as two Cowboys return from injury. FULL TEAM LIST
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North Queensland prop Kaiden Lahrs has been named to make his NRL debut on Saturday when the Cowboys host the Dolphins in Townsville.
The 19-year-old son of Canberra Raiders enforcer Tom Learoyd-Lahrs will become Cowboy No. 325 when he takes the field from the interchange.
The Cowboys also welcome back international duo Jason Taumalolo and Murray Taulagi from injury, just in time to aid coach Todd Payten’s dramatic reshuffle.
Jake Clifford takes over at halfback, Karl Lawton will start at hooker in place of Reece Robson, and barnstorming prop Tom Mikaele joins the interchange with Lahrs, Neame and Edwards.
Braidon Burns joins the side for suspended centre Viliami Vailea while North Queensland will deploy a new-look backrow with Kai O’Donnell and Sam McIntyre set to start on the edges.
Payten said it was a “really enjoyable” experience naming Lahrs for his first grade debut.
“The kid’s come a long way in the past six to eight weeks. He’s off the back of a couple of shoulder reconstructions,” Payten said.
“Highly talented kid, 19 years of age tearaway, he plays 100 miles an hour and comes from a good footballing family, so it’s exciting.
“The rest of the group get a buzz, I get a buzz, and I’m looking forward to what he can do.”
Lahrs has made seven Queensland Cup appearances for the Townsville Blackhawks in 2025, scoring three tries as he established himself as a regular starter in recent weeks.
Taumalolo will reclaim his iconic No. 13 jersey for his first games since round 9 while Taulagi will start on the wing after missing two matches.
“Both were good (Tuesday) morning and we’ve got another training session tomorrow, but they were touch and go last week so with an extra week on the short turnaround I’m 100 per cent certain they’re ready to go,” Payten said.
Cowboys veteran Jordan McLean will also celebrate a milestone, making his 150th appearance for North Queensland.
Although fullback Scott Drinkwater has been named to captain the side, Payten said McLean’s leadership would be essential.
“He’s our leader in the middle of the park. A calm voice and the experience – he’s great for us defensively, really tight and he just has a presence among the group and in games and in meetings,” he said.
“He’s been a terrific leader for our club for a long time.”
The Cowboys play the Dolphins on Saturday, June 14, at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.35pm
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