Todd Payten reveals how Cowboys gun Rob Derby can snatch a starting spot in round 1

After starring for his country in the Pacific Championships, a young Cowboys gun has been given a simple equation to earn a starting jersey. Find out what Payten needs to see from him.

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 12: Robert Derby of the Cowboys runs upfield during the NRL Trial Match between North Queensland Cowboys and Dolphins at Barlow Park on February 12, 2023 in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

After starring for Papua New Guinea in a successful Pacific Bowl campaign, Rob Derby has a simple equation to usurp Murray Taulagi or Kyle Feldt for a starting Cowboys jersey.

Between now and March 10, he needs to prove to Todd Payten that he’s the best defensive option on the wing.

After struggling to keep teams out of their own end zone throughout 2023, North Queensland’s renewed focus on defence could see Derby rapidly rise up the pecking order.

“I want to start in round 1. That’s my big goal,” Derby said.

“I sat down with Toddy (Payten) and he told me that if I want to have that No.2 or No.5 jersey in round 1 I just have to be the best defensive winger.

“He told me that he’s going to pick the best defensive team every week, because I know we have a lot of strong carriers of the ball and good finishers, so I guess the main concern for us is defensively.”

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 12: Robert Derby of the Cowboys makes a catch during the NRL Trial Match between North Queensland Cowboys and Dolphins at Barlow Park on February 12, 2023 in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

The Cowboys averaged 22.5 points against last season, scraping together a plus-four differential after running up the score in a handful of blowouts.

It was a major fall from grace from their stellar 2022, when they had the second best defence in the competition behind Penrith at a smidgen over 15 points against per game.

With a new crew of assistant coaches at Payten’s side, multiple players have revealed a defensive overhaul in the way they plan to keep teams away from the try line.

“I feel like the new system works really well with a few of the boys and already we can see a lot of change,” Derby said.

“We’re stopping plays and all of that. 100 per cent I reckon we’re going to have a different outfit next year in defence.

“Not making the top eight (last year), we were striving to get into there and even to the premiership, so we need to work harder and a lot of the coaches have got on board that.”

North Queensland Cowboys Rob Derby. Picture: Evan Morgan

Derby’s pre-season began late after his international experience with PNG, but the 21-year-old said that we was able to develop his game with fellow rising rookie Zac Laybutt.

“Me and Buttsy definitely grew a lot closer and saw that chemistry and bond (grow),” Derby said.

“Going into the games and playing through, we know how each other plays, how we react defensively, so there’s some chemistry there and it could look like a good fit going forward next year.

“When you’re over there they treat you like superstars and I’m just using that as motivation going into the season, just knowing that you’re playing for these people, these little kids that don’t have all the opportunities in the world and being able to go back each time and just see that impact you have on them, it’s amazing.”

Derby’s first chance to impress for the Cowboys could come in their first trial match of 2024 when North Queensland faces the Brisbane Broncos in Mackay on February 18.

Originally published as Todd Payten reveals how Cowboys gun Rob Derby can snatch a starting spot in round 1