Mackay Cutters star Daejarn Asi to return to NRL against Rabbitohs

After strong performances in the Intrust Super Cup, Mackay star halfback will make his season debut for the North Queensland Cowboys.

NRL; North Queensland Cowboys training at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Daejarn Asi . Picture: Alix Sweeney

Watch out Valentine Holmes, one of Mackay’s brightest rugby stars is coming to fill your boots.

Mackay Cutters’ Daejarn Asi will make his season debut with the Cowboys against the Rabbitohs with Holmes out with State of Origin commitments.

Asi will start at fullback for North Queensland on Friday after consistently strong performances for the Cutters in the Intrust Super Cup.

Cowboys head coach Todd Payten said Asi’s selection was reward for good lower-level football.

“He has class, the kid, he plays with good control, he’s still developing his talk and direction,” Payten said.

“He’s pretty well regarded around the place, we just want him to back himself and go after the game tomorrow.”

NRL; North Queensland Cowboys training at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Daejarn Asi. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Asi moved across from Townsville to Mackay where he has had great success playing in multiple positions despite the Cutters’ poor record this season.

Payten said Asi provided the side with great versatility, but he didn’t see him as a long-term option at fullback.

“I see him as a half or five-eighth moving forward, but he’s an all-round footballer that can play several positions,” Payten said.

“I think fullback is allowing him to use his natural skills a bit more, and there’s less pressure organising the team, but for long-term options we’ve got some fullbacks within the club that I think have their head in front of him.”

Asi has replaced fullback Valentine Holmes in the line-up, with the Cowboys missing several players because of State of Origin commitment.

Payten said Asi had improved consistently since moving to Mackay.

“I think he’s training more consistently, the coaches have been communicating what we want to see out of him here,” he said.

“He’s taking that information on board and he’s improved from day-to-day around the facilities.”

Originally published as Mackay Cutters star Daejarn Asi to return to NRL against Rabbitohs