Reuben Cotter outlines how North Queensland Cowboys can counter Manly Sea Eagles’ mammoth pack

Reuben Cotter has outlined how North Queensland can expose Manly’s mammoth pack on Saturday evening while backing rookie halfback Tom Duffy to shine in his first NRL opportunity.

Jason Taumalolo and Reuben Cotter in the 2025 home and away jerseys.

Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter has outlined how North Queensland can expose Manly’s mammoth pack on Saturday evening while backing rookie halfback Tom Duffy to shine in his first NRL opportunity.

The Sea Eagles have one of the most formidable forward rotations in the competition, with man-mountains Taniela Paseka, Toafofoa Sipley and Haumole Olakau’atu weighing a combined 353kg.

In fact, according to listed player weights, Manly has the size advantage in every position from No.8 to No.17 – besides No.14 where Cowboys recruit Karl Lawton is 1kg heavier than Jake Simpkin.

Manly’s forwards are a combined 58kg heavier than their North Queensland counterparts.

But Cotter said his team’s mobile forward pack could take advantage of the physical discrepancy in round 1.

“Tough game, always down at Brookvale. We’re expecting them to come out guns blazing,” Cotter said.

Cowboys forward Reuben Cotter is hit by a Storm defender. Picture: NRL Images

“They’ve got a pretty big forward pack and a pretty handy set of outside backs as well. We’re going to have to go after the game with our defence.

“We’ve spoken about being there in the 80th minute and keeping the ball in play, that’s sort of where I think our benefit will come from as well. We’re looking forward to it.”

Cotter and Sam McIntyre are two of the NRL’s new prototype for middle forwards in a game that gets faster every season.

The tough and tireless players bring ballplaying to attack while being just as reliable as any big bopper in defence, and they have the engines to play big minutes.

Sam McIntyre 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)

Cotter said McIntyre was primed to take the next step in his development this year.

“He’s been one of our most consistent. Last year he played a great role for the team, and he brought that into the pre-season as well,” Cotter said.

“He’s been very consistent and we all love playing alongside him, we’re very confident when he’s out on the field.”

The Kangaroos and Maroons middle forward said he was looking forward to making Duffy’s debut one to remember.

“He really has a voice amongst the team and he’s pretty switched on, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how he goes this weekend,” Cotter said.

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)

“I was pretty happy with how he attacked that Melbourne trial, and (he) definitely doesn’t look out of place.

“He’s got a great kicking game, he’s very vocal, and he’s (got) ability. He’s got a smart footy brain as well, so bringing that to the team alongside Tommy Dearden, it’s a good combination.

“We’re looking forward to him starting and really trying to develop that combination.

“We’re all very excited for him to get his opportunity this weekend. Everyone remembers their debut and we’re going to try and make it a special one for him down there.”

The Cowboys play Manly on Saturday night, kick-off is at 6.35pm.

Originally published as Reuben Cotter outlines how North Queensland Cowboys can counter Manly Sea Eagles’ mammoth pack