Kai O’Donnell to make club debut as North Queensland Cowboys name first team of 2025

Cowboys fans will get their first look at backrower Kai O’Donnell on Friday with the North Queensland junior set to make his club debut in the trial match against the Dolphins. Read what he had to say and see the full team.

Patrick Woods

@PatWoods321

2 min read

February 11, 2025 - 3:00PM

News Sport Network

North Queensland Cowboys forward Kai O'Donnell during pre-season training. Picture: Alix Sweeney / North Queensland Cowboys.

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Cowboys fans will get their first look at backrower Kai O’Donnell on Friday with the North Queensland junior set to make his club debut in the trial match against the Dolphins.

O’Donnell returned from a successful three-year stint in England to join the Cowboys after 77 appearances for the Leigh Leopards, scoring 31 tries.

The Proserpine Brahmans junior grew up as a diehard Cowboys fan and he said it would be a proud moment running out for the club.

“I’m very excited. It’s not yet an NRL debut for the club, but it’s the closest thing to it that I’ve had since I’ve been a kid, and I’ve always dreamt of this opportunity,” O’Donnell said.

“I had a trial (against the Cowboys) when I did a pre-season at the Titans when I was 19, and I remember I was a bit starstruck when I played that game, seeing all those players that I’d looked up to as a junior.”

North Queensland Cowboys forward Kai O'Donnell during pre-season training. Picture: Alix Sweeney / North Queensland Cowboys.

The hard-running forward is comfortable playing on either side of the field or even in the middle of the park if called upon.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten said he liked what he has seen from O’Donnell so far.

“He’s fit, he’s tough and he competes. He runs a terrific line, he’s really hard to tackle,” Payten said.

“He’s got a look in his eye that he’s had from day 1 and that’s what I really like. He’s pushing the guys around him to be better and he’s another guy that will play (next week) against the Storm.”

O’Donnell is one of six players expected to play in both trial matches along with Tom Mikaele, Coen Hess, Karl Lawton, Rob Derby and Jaxson Paulo.

Hess has been named as captain for his comeback match after missing the entire 2024 season with injury.

“It’s an achievement for Coen, he’s worked really hard on his rehab,” Payten said.

“It’s been two steps forward, one step back for a little period of time, but he’s hit the ground running since Christmas and he’s really excited to play some footy.

“He’s an important part of our team and our club.”

Cowboys forward Coen Hess will captain the Cowboys for the first time in their trial match against the Dolphins. Picture: NRL Photos

Cowboys players Semi Valemei (neck), Jamal Shibasaki (concussion) and Wil Sullivan (hamstring) have all picked up minor injuries at training but are expected to be fit for round 1.

Columba Catholic College’s 2023 First XIII captain Assariah ‘Asi’ Lenoy will make his Cowboys debut in the centres, becoming the first player from North Queensland’s fledgling independent schools competition to pull on the jersey.