Aaron Payne’s North Queensland Toyota Cowboys under-20s team have made a consecutive pre-season win over Queensland Cup opposition with a 34-12 victory in Mackay tonight.
Led by classy halfback Jake Clifford and a score of strong efforts from outside backs, the Cowboys were in control for the entire match, with a 16-0 halftime lead consolidated in the second 40.
Payne, though, has some selection headaches ahead of Round 1 versus the Raiders in three weeks’ time, particularly in his core forwards with solid efforts all around the park tonight but no standout.
Coaching staff were pleased with the point-scoring potency of the team despite the Cowboys struggling to string completed sets together at time.
Among the tryscorers were Clifford, centre Nathan Trail, interchange hooker Duarne Dempsey, debutante Ryan Lloyd and speedy winger Mick Carroll.
Payne and his team will turn their attention to next Friday’s final trial in Townsville against the Blackhawks, where they will field a combined NYC/NRL team against the Queensland Cup heavyweights.
