Get ready for an exciting showdown as the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys gear up for their final pre-season trial against the Penrith Panthers! Head Coach Todd Payten is pulling out all the stops, bringing in his star players for this highly anticipated match at BB Print Stadium in Mackay.
After a well-deserved rest, key players like Scott Drinkwater, Braidon Burns, and Murray Taulagi are back in action, ready to showcase their skills. Joining them is the highly anticipated debut of Reed Mahoney, who will don the Cowboys' colors for the first time and take on the role of starting hooker.
But here's where it gets interesting: Mahoney isn't the only new face on the team. Soni Luke, another exciting recruit, will be on the interchange, adding even more depth to the Cowboys' lineup.
The game kicks off at 7 pm (AEST) on Friday, and you won't want to miss it!
The Cowboys' team for this thrilling encounter is as follows:
Starting Lineup:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Braidon Burns
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Zac Laybutt
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Jake Clifford
7. Tom Dearden (c)
8. Coen Hess
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Heilum Luki
12. Sam McIntyre
13. Reuben Cotter (c)
Interchange:
14. Soni Luke
15. Tom Mikaele
16. Matt Lodge
17. John Bateman
18. Liam Sutton
19. Mason Barber
20. Kai O'Donnell
21. Harrison Edwards
22. Jaxson Paulo
23. Robert Derby
24. Ethan King
And this is the part most people miss: the Cowboys' commitment to honoring the Traditional Custodians of the land. They pay respect to the past, present, and future Elders and acknowledge the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
So, who do you think will shine in this trial match? Will the Cowboys' new signings make a significant impact? Let's discuss in the comments and share your predictions!
