Todd Payten makes huge North Queensland Cowboys call with four changes for Brisbane Broncos
Todd Payten has rung the changes in North Queensland, making four huge decisions on his line-up for the Cowboys’ blockbuster clash with the Broncos on Friday night. Read the latest news and see the full team list.
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Todd Payten has rung the changes in North Queensland, making four huge decisions on his line-up for the Cowboys’ blockbuster clash with the Broncos on Friday night.
The Cowboys welcome back three international stars as well as recalling Tully junior Jake Clifford at the expense of rookie halfback Tom Duffy after just two NRL appearances.
Payten said the 21-year-old would be able to take some tough lessons from the experiences of the last fortnight.
“Jake was able to get a game under his belt in Q Cup. Bigger body, good kick, good tackler,” Payten said.
“It’s a tough one for ‘Duff’, he’s had a couple of games and we haven’t gone well and some tough lessons for him, but Jake’s coming back into the team this week and he’s excited.”
Jason Taumalolo will be a welcome addition to the forward pack after recovering from a Lisfranc injury, as will Maroons backrower Jeremiah Nanai, who was last week dropped to the Queensland Cup to work on his defence.
Nanai has earnt himself back a spot on the interchange, replacing Harry Edwards, with Kai O’Donnell holding his starting place on the left edge.
Taumalolo will start in the front row with Sam McIntyre donning the No.14 while Karl Lawton drops back to the reserves.
Payten said bringing the Tongan captain back into the starting side would inspire the whole team.
“He (Taumalolo) has had an interrupted pre-season. He felt he wasn’t right last week, he played 50 minutes (for the Mackay Cutters) on the weekend and was pretty strong,” Payten said.
“He gives confidence to everyone in the team and we’re looking forward to having him back.”
Northern Pride coach Russ Aitken said Nanai showed great professionalism to join the Q Cup team in Cairns for a tough 20-16 defeat to Tweed.
“He was great, he came in with a great attitude. Obviously coming back from Cowboys wouldn’t have been the best feeling for him as an individual,” Aitken said.
“He got around the boys and tried his hardest out there in what was a tough night. He imposed himself on the game.”
Pride winger Rob Derby will be given another NRL opportunity after making his solitary appearance in May 2023 against Parramatta.
The tall and fast PNG international will start on the right wing for injured Braidon Burns.
“Rob is a big, athletic, powerful winger. He’s had some injury concerns in his last two couple of years since his first grade debut,” Payten said.
“He gets an opportunity and I thought he was pretty solid on the weekend for the Pride, he made a heap of metres and was really strong out of his own end.”
Aitken said Derby had been biding his time well while developing his game with the Pride, predicting the NRL call-up on Tuesday morning.
“I can’t fault Rob’s attitude and the way he carried himself,” Aitken said.
“Him and ‘Miah (Nanai) linked up for one of our earlier tries, and Rob got one himself right at the end there.
“He carried the ball strong and looked really good in attack. I’ve got no doubt he’ll be playing in the NRL this year.”
The Cowboys take on the Broncos in Brisbane on Friday night, kick-off is at 7pm AEST.
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