The next generation of Cowboys players are set to showcase their talent in the brand new NRLQ U20 Series, which is set to launch this weekend.
The competition will feature some of the best up-and-coming talent from the four Queensland NRL clubs over a six-week period.
North Queensland begin their campaign with a showdown against the Broncos on Saturday, which will act as a curtain raiser to the NRL clash against the Wests Tigers.
The competition is designed to compensate for the lack of an under 21s competition for the four Queensland clubs.
North Queensland fans will be familiar with the names of halfback Zac Herdegen and centre Assariah Lenoy who featured in the Cowboys’ opening NRL trial of the season against The Dolphins in Cairns.
Front-rowers Tavita Penaia Te’o and Travis Larner as well as winger Joseph Doyle were key members of the Mackay Cutters team which advanced to the semi-finals of the Mal Meninga Cup.
A number of eligible Cowboys players featuring in the Queensland Cup including Xavier Kerrisk, Mason Kira, Kaiden Lahrs, Jamal Shibasaki and Matt Watts as well as NRL player Jaxon Purdue will remain in the higher grades rather than featuring in the NRLQ.
Saturday’s game will kick off at 3pm.
Cowboys team to play Broncos:
1. Xavier Hellyer
2. Joseph Doyle
3. Keyarn Pene
4. Asi Lenoy
5. Setaleki Mafileo
6. Patrick Irwin
7. Zac Herdegen
8. Tavita Penaia Te’o
9. Marley Helion
10. Mafiou Cherif
11. Maddox Goodwin
12. Travis Larner
13. Kayne Smith
Interchange
14. Cohen Emmi
15. Kyle Bader
16. Jack Thorburn
17. Jasper Barry
18. Davidson Benioni
