North Queensland captain Jason Taumalolo will miss Saturday’s NRL trial match against the Brisbane Broncos due to a hamstring injury.
The club confirmed Taumalolo is nursing a minor hamstring complaint, but he is expected to be fit in time for the Cowboys’ Round 1 clash with the Bulldogs on March 13.
Meanwhile, speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will take on the all-important fullback duties.
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The No.1 jersey has been at the centre of much debate around the club, with Valentine Holmes having spent much time at fullback since he arrived following his stint in the NFL.
Even playmaker Scott Drinkwater has played at fullback over the last couple of seasons.
The Cowboys confirmed Holmes will look to transition into the centre position, where he will start for this weekend’s trial.
Meanwhile, Cowboys fans will get their first look at recruit Chad Townsend who has been named at halfback.
Manly Sea Eagles vs Canberra Raiders – Central Coast Stadium, Friday 6pm AEDT
Manly: TBC
Raiders: TBC
Sydney Roosters vs Wests Tigers – Central Coast Stadium, Friday 8.10pm AEDT
Roosters: TBC
Tigers: TBC
Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans – Moreton Daily Stadium, Saturday 3.00pm AEDT
Warriors: TBC
Titans: TBC
Smith’s premiership tip for Panthers
Penrith Panthers vs Parramatta Eels – BlueBet Stadium, Saturday 5.00pm AEDT
Panthers: TBC
Eels: TBC
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Glen Willow Oval, Saturday 7.00pm AEDT
Rabbitohs: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jaxson Paulo 4. Campbell Graham 5. Josh Mansour 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Junior Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Hame Sele 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Mark Nicholls 14. Dean Hawkins 15. Siliva Havili 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Jacob Host 18. Michael Chee Kam 19. Josiah Karapani 20. Richard Kennar 21. Davvy Moale 22. Romano Cook 23. Terrell Kalo Kalo
Dragons: TBC
New Bronco Adam Reynolds previews the upcoming season
North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos – BB Print Stadium, Saturday 9.00pm AEDT
Cowboys: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Jordan McLean 16. Mitchell Dunn 17. Tom Gilbert 18. Brendan Elliot 19. Scott Drinkwater 20. Griffin Neame
Broncos: TBC
Melbourne Storm vs Newcastle Knights – Mars Stadium, Saturday 5.45pm AEDT
Storm: TBC
Knights: TBC
Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury Bulldogs – PointsBet Stadium, Monday 7.00pm AEDT
Sharks: TBC
Bulldogs: TBC
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