Tom Duffy has been recalled for his first game at halfback since Round 2 for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ Saturday night battle with the Melbourne Storm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
North Queensland’s four State of Origin representatives will be unavailable to face the Storm, forcing Todd Payten into a number of changes to his 17.
Duffy will deputise at halfback for co-captain Tom Dearden, while Harrison Edwards starts at hooker in place of Reece Robson.
Kai O’Donnell returns to the starting side in the second-row, while Sam McIntyre shifts to lock.
Mackay Cutters hooker Temple Kalepo has been named to make a fairytale NRL debut from the interchange.
The 24-year-old joined the Cutters prior to the 2025 Queensland Cup season and has spent the State of Origin period on a training block with the Cowboys.
A powerfully built dummy-half, Kalepo has previously spent time in the Warriors and Knights systems.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 7.35pm.
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Cowboys team to play Storm:
1. Scott Drinkwater (c)
2. Rob Derby
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Zac Laybutt
7. Tom Duffy
10. Griffin Neame
11. John Bateman
12. Kai O’Donnell
13. Sam McIntyre
Interchange
14. Temple Kalepo
15. Tom Mikaele
16. Kaiden Lahrs
17. Coen Hess
Reserves
18. Braidon Burns
19. Emarly Bitungane
20. Jamal Shibasaki
21. Jaxson Paulo
22. Mason Kira
