North Queensland Cowboys conundrum: Selection headache looms for Todd Payten

The Cowboys could be without up to seven first-choice players when they host the Dolphins with Origin selection and the NRL judiciary wreaking havoc on the squad. Find out which prospects are in the equation for an NRL call-up.

Jake Clifford of the Cowboys passes the ball during the round four NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Canberra Raiders at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

North Queensland could be without up to seven first-choice players when the Cowboys host the high-flying Dolphins on Saturday with State of Origin selection and the NRL judiciary wreaking havoc on the squad.

Four players are almost certain to be recalled for Origin II – Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai and Reece Robson – while Murray Taulagi is an outside chance of being named if he has overcome a calf complaint.

Adding pressure to the underperforming Cowboys is the loss of centre Viliami Vailea and John Bateman after both were hit with grade 2 dangerous contact charges which come with a one-week suspension if an early guilty plea is taken.

If Vailea or Bateman contest their charges and are found guilty at the panel, they will cop two-week suspensions.

A timely return of talismanic forward Jason Taumalolo could be just what North Queensland needs to get the better of a Dolphins side that has now won three of its past four games.

Jason Taumalolo of the Cowboys reacts after the round nine NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium on May 03, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Taumalolo could be a straightforward replacement for Cotter, leaving coach Todd Payten to select a new half, centre, hooker and two backrowers this week.

Jake Clifford could find himself back in the team to link up with Jaxon Purdue in the halves while rookie halfback Tom Duffy’s accurate goalkicking – nailing all five of his attempts for the Northern Pride on Saturday – would be a welcome addition to the side.

Tom Duffy of the Cowboys runs with the ball during the 2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge match between Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys at Casey Fields on February 23, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Replacing Vailea for the week will be a challenge with a lack of depth in the position, although Braidon Burns has been playing at centre for the Pride in the Q Cup where he has scored three tries in four games.

Pride head coach Russ Aitken said that either of his halves and Burns would all be able to bring something to the Cowboys.

“Tom Duffy has been with us a fair bit, if we look at last night solely then him and Jake Clifford both had great games for us,” Aitken said.

“They were really instrumental in the win.

“’Burnsy’ has been with us for a handful of games and has been outstanding. His leadership and quality has been brilliant.

“It wasn’t his best game (on Saturday), but bearing in mind he had flown up from Melbourne that morning after being with Cowboys. Looking at it face value people might not understand how tough that can be. Again, he’s a real leader.

“All those three boys wouldn’t let anyone down if they were called upon for selection.”

NRL 2024 RD13 Sydney Roosters v North Queensland Cowboys – Braidon Burns, try, celeb. Picture: NRL Photos

The second row is the biggest unknown for the Cowboys, with Kai O’Donnell a late scratch from North Queensland’s round 14 match due to a back injury.

Barnstorming 20-year-old Jamal Shibasaki will likely be called into the starting side for his second NRL appearance but if O’Donnell is not fit, Payten may have to opt for an unconventional approach.

Someone like Sam McIntyre could find himself playing minutes in the backrow as could Harry Edwards or Karl Lawton, although the latter is the obvious choice to play hooker as the squad’s most experienced dummy half.

Aitken said Shibasaki’s recent form – scoring four tries in his last six appearances – put him in good stead for an NRL recall.

“’Shibas’ has really turned his season around after what I’m sure he’d agree was a slow-ish start,” Aitken said.

“He’s found a home in that right backrow for us, and he’s really fitting into the group well.

“He’s improving his footy week to week – a young fella still learning his footy but he’s been impressive.”

The Cowboys host the Dolphins on Saturday, June 14. Kick-off is at 7.35pm.

Pride secures key victory

Aitken heaped praise on his group after their strong victory over South Logan Magpies.

The Pride came in to the game with two wins in their previous four matches after being winless prior, but have continued to struggle in single-digit games.

They weren’t going to be denied on this occasion though, staving off a late push from the Magpies to run out 30-24 victors at Barlow Park.

“Definitely pleased with the outcome, we’re really happy for the boys to get a result after putting in the efforts throughout the season,” Aitken said.

“We’ve lost a lot of close games, which can be draining in itself. And coming off the back of a trip to (Papua New Guinea), the physical and mental toll was significant.

“You can’t just rock up against South Logan and expect a victory, so we had to double down on that effort.

“Really proud of the boys and a win is great for morale and everything.”

In what was a relatively high scoring encounter, Aitken said the Pride’s attack was “better” than it had been in previous weeks.

“We still released a heap of pressure in the first half which needs to be fixed,” Aitken said.

“I wasn’t really happy with that opening 40 minutes. But some class from ‘Cliff’ (Jake Clifford) and ‘Duff’ (Tom Duffy) got us there in the second.

“I thought Seamus King-Smith’s move across to fullback did a lot of good for our attack, and both of our hookers complimented each other well.

“There’s plenty more left to come, we left a lot of points out there so we need to keep improving.”

Originally published as North Queensland Cowboys conundrum: Selection headache looms for Todd Payten