SuperCoach NRL: How to feature our local Darling Downs heroes in your 2024 SuperCoach squad

NRL is just around the corner and that means it’s time to get your SuperCoach teams in. We take a look at eight local Darling Downs players and how you can include them in your squad.

Tom Dearden has been named co-captain of the Cowboys. Photo: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Toowoomba and the Darling Downs region has long served as nursery for the big leagues, and this year is no exception.

With a host of players with local connections set to feature this season, we look at how you can incorporate them into your SuperCoach team for 2024.

JAKE SIMPKIN (WESTS TIGERS, HOK, $279,100)

The Southern Suburbs junior will be looking for a strong pre-season in order to cement his place in the side.

Is currently in a battle with young gun Tallyn Da Silva for a bench spot with Api Koroisau locking down the starting hooker role.

TOM DEARDEN (NORTH QUEENSLAND, 5/8, $592,200)

Dearden has ties with the Lockyer Valley and the State of Origin representatives parents live in Gatton.

Could be shaping up for his biggest year yet after being named co-captain of the side along with Reuben Cotter.

KURT CAPEWELL (NEW ZEALAND, 2RF, $548,900)

A new addition to the New Zealand Warriors are being granted an early release from his contract with Brisbane.

With his leadership qualities, you can expect the Charleville junior to feature in the second row regularly throughout the season.

Selwyn Cobbo is primed for a big season. Picture: Adam Head

SELWYN COBBO (BRISBANE, CTW, $602,900)

The most expensive player on this list and for good reason. Cherbourg junior Cobbo will find himself once again on the end of a red-hot Broncos backline.

He’ll rack up plenty of tries and line breaks in 2024, and shapes as a great option to pick up a stack of SuperCoach points.

DAVID ARMSTRONG (NEWCASTLE, FLB, $204,300)

Made waves with his history breaking TRL season with Goondiwindi in 2019, Armstrong has been with the Newcastle Knights for the past few seasons.

After coming up through their junior pathways grades, the fullback spent some time in NSW Cup and should injuries strike or his form continues, a call-up isn’t off the cards.

CORY PAIX (BRISBANE, HOK, $267,500)

Fell out of the first grade rotation last year with the Broncos after playing very solidly to start the season.

The big question is whether the Southern Suburbs junior can work his way back into the side. If he can, he represents huge value at the price.

XAVIER VA’A (SYD ROOSTERS, FRF, $204,300)

Another local who got his taste of NSW Cup action last year, Va’a will be hoping for an injury-free season to push his case for a debut match.

With the likes of Lindsay Collins and Angus Crichton in Origin contention, plus Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Victor Radley presenting judiciary risks, the door might just open at some stage.

Tristan Powell had a huge 2023 season. Photo: QRL

TRISTAN POWELL (MELBOURNE, FRF, $204,300)

On the back of a career-best season with the Tigers in the Queensland Cup, the Goondiwindi and Southern Suburbs junior has earned his spot in Melbourne’s top 30.

Coach Craig Bellamy has never been scared to blood rookies, and the 22-year-old forward can certainly put his hand up if he carries his 2023 form over to this season.

Originally published as SuperCoach NRL: How to feature our local Darling Downs heroes in your 2024 SuperCoach squad