North Queensland Cowboys NRL backline takes shape as centre hints at Kyle Feldt replacement
Todd Payten’s new-look backline is taking shape with the frontrunner to claim right centre giving a hint at who could replace Kyle Feldt on the wing. Read the latest from Cowboys HQ.
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Viliami Vailea looks to have won the battle for right centre in North Queensland, leaving Zac Laybutt and Jaxon Purdue to fight for a spot on the left edge.
Vailea became one of Cowboys coach Todd Payten’s favourites in 2024 after breaking into the Cowboys side in round 9, starting at right centre in all 18 of the remaining games.
The no-frills Tongan turned 22 during this pre-season and although he was initially training on both edges, he is now cemented on the right.
Vailea has also emerged as a potential goalkicking option for the Cowboys after being asked to start practising at training.
It’s not an unfamiliar role for the schoolboys rugby union star who grew up as a playmaker, shifting from flyhalf to inside centre to fullback before switching codes to join the Warriors.
“Toddy (Payten) spoke to me in the last three weeks about practising kicking – even kick-offs and that. I’m getting there,” Vailea said.
The left-footed centre has a classic rugby goalkicking technique similar to Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako – except Isaako is right-footed – where the ball travels high and straight with a slight draw from left to right.
It is unlikely Vailea would be handed kicking duties ahead of uncapped halfback Tom Duffy, however Payten may look to the young Tongan if Jake Clifford claims the No.7 jersey.
Electric fullback Scott Drinkwater and centre Zac Laybutt are considered North Queensland’s other goalkicking options.
While Vailea appears to have secured his spot, the right wing position left vacant by Kyle Feldt is still up for grabs.
Vailea said it was shaping up as a two-horse race between Rob Derby and Braidon Burns.
“I’m not sure, it’s tough. The boys keep swapping – Derbs (Rob Derby) and Burnsy (Braidon Burns) and that – so I’m still not sure who’s going to take that right spot,” Vailea said.
“It’s good, they’re fighting for it. I don’t know who Toddy’s going to pick, who’s going to take that spot in round 1, but the boys keep fighting for that.”
Vailea was admittedly undercooked when he finally got to North Queensland last pre-season after visa issues kept him out of the country.
The big-bodied wrecking ball eventually arrived and began his season in the Queensland Cup with the Mackay Cutters before a season-ending injury to Zac Laybutt opened the door for an NRL opportunity.
Vailea said he was feeling much fitter heading into this year.
“Last year I got struck in New Zealand, came back late and had to try and get in shape. But this year (I’m) working really hard trying to fight for that spot in round 1 and get my body ready to go,” Vailea said.
“I’ve done more to get myself (and) my body ready for training.”
The Cowboys will play trial matches against the Dolphins and Storm before facing Manly in round 1.
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Originally published as North Queensland Cowboys NRL backline takes shape as centre hints at Kyle Feldt replacement
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