North Queensland Cowboys’ Reece Robson replacement emerges as State of Origin period beckons

Incumbent NSW Blues hooker Reece Robson weighed in on North Queensland’s No.9 situation with State of Origin just around the corner. Find out who he backed to take over his position.

Reece Robson of the Blues is tackled by Daly Cherry-Evans of the Maroons during game two of the men's State of Origin series between New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 26, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Scott Drinkwater has thrown his support behind incumbent New South Wales hooker Reece Robson to reclaim his Blues jersey this year, crowning the Cowboys dummy half as the toughest hooker in the NRL.

Robson is currently the frontrunner to wear the Blues’ No.9 jersey when NSW takes on Queensland in Brisbane on May 28, and Drinkwater was confident Robson would be back in Laurie Daley’s squad in a fortnight’s time.

Drinkwater said the Cowboys hooker was in top form heading into the 2025 series.

“I think everyone – everyone in this club, and I’m sure everyone from New South Wales – after his series last year knows what you’re going to get when ‘Robbo’ puts that jersey on for them,” Drinkwater said.

“He’s the toughest hooker in the comp and he’s the best defensive hooker in the comp.

“If you watch the Origin games it’s all built on being tough and bashing each other, and that’s what Robbo does.

The Daily Telegraph. 8.7.2024 Reece Robson. Westpac NSW Blues players, Westpac NSW Blues squad media day ahead of State of Origin Game 3. Picture: Rohan Kelly

“So I have no doubt that he will be in the squad somewhere, for sure, and he deserves it.”

The Murwillumbah junior has played every minute of the 2025 season, bar a 10-minute sit down in round 5 when he was sin-binned while playing the Panthers, and he has made at least 41 tackles in all eight appearances this year, missing no more than three in any game.

Reece Walsh of the Maroons is tackled by Reece Robson of the Blues during game three of the 2024 Men's State of Origin series between Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on July 17, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Robson maintained that his focus was still in club-land while revealing he had spoken to incoming NSW coach Daley a “couple of times” this year.

“Obviously at the forefront of my mind at the moment is just playing for the Cows and making sure we’re getting the wins on the board there. But yeah, I’ve had a couple of chats with Laurie throughout the year – we had the pre-season camp and a few meetings throughout the year,” Robson said.

“If that call does come in the coming weeks to play for the Blues, obviously it’s always an honour and I’ll be ready to take that.

“You’re always just trying to build your game no matter what it’s for. You obviously want to play your best football when you’re getting into Origin, but you try and develop your game anyway, just to be the best you can be week to week for the club you’re playing for.”

Reece Robson of the Cowboys passes the ball during 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 Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

As for who might take over dummy half duties for North Queensland during the Origin period, Cowboys fans could get a glimpse of the future at who could replace Robson when he joins the Roosters in 2026.

Last year the Cowboys looked to versatile middle forward Harry Edwards to play hooker while Robson was on NSW duty, and while the 24-year-old said he was up for the task he suggested Karl Lawton would be the man coach Todd Payten selects.

“I’m definitely in and around there, obviously ‘Karlos’ Lawton is there as well,” Edwards said.

Harrison Edwards of the Cowboys is tackled during the round five NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and North Queensland Cowboys at CommBank Stadium on April 04, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

“I always get a few reps in at hooker, but I think Karlos is in and around the club and he’s waiting in the wings for an opportunity.”

Robson agreed that Lawton was emerging as the first choice to replace him.

“Karl has played a lot of first grade himself, and he’s a great dummy half,” Robson said.

“So the likes of him, if he’s stepping into that role, then he’ll do a great job. (I trust) any other boys that Toddy (Payten) and the coaching staff (select), if they decide to go another way, but ‘Lawto’ has got it covered and he’ll be great.”

The Cowboys host the Penrith Panthers on Saturday, May 10. Kick-off is at 7.35pm.

Originally published as North Queensland Cowboys’ Reece Robson replacement emerges as State of Origin period beckons