The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have today released Feeder Club allocations for the 2026 Queensland Cup season.
The Cowboys will return to the three-club system for the first time since 2023, with the Townsville Blackhawks returning to the fold alongside the Mackay Cutters and Northern Pride.
Townsville products Tom Chester and Kaiden Lahrs headline the Blackhawks allocations, which also includes Zac Laybutt, Viliami Vailea and Kai O’Donnell.
Weipa junior Ethan King will feature for the Northern Pride after returning to North Queensland for 2026 following a stint in Sydney with the Roosters.
Fellow Far North Queensland product Rob Derby has been allocated to the Pride alongside talented youngsters Zac Herdegen and Ronald Philitoga.
Mackay juniors Xavier Kerrisk and Matt Watts are again set to play major roles for the Mackay Cutters after emerging as key players in 2025.
Fellow emerging stars Mason Barber, James Walsh, Liam Sutton and Mason Kira will feature for the Cutters.
“We’re excited to return to the three-club model, which has been fruitful for our club in the past,” Cowboys Assistant Coach Steve Sheppard said.
“We have made one change to our allocations for 2026 after consultation with the playing group following last season. Players with young families have been allocated to the Blackhawks to allow them to spend more time at home during the season.
“This decision also provides a wonderful opportunity for our younger players to take immediate key roles with the Cutters and Pride.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Blackhawks once again and we look forward to building on the continued relationship with the Cutters and Pride.”
Northern Pride
Rob Derby
Harrison Edwards
Zac Herdegen
Coen Hess
Ethan King*
Heilum Luki
Reed Mahoney
Jeremiah Nanai
Griffin Neame
Jaxson Paulo
Ronald Philitoga*
Townsville Blackhawks
John Bateman
Braidon Burns
Tom Chester
Jake Clifford
Wiremu Greig*
Kaiden Lahrs
Zac Laybutt
Matt Lodge
Soni Luke
Sam McIntyre
Tom Mikaele
Kai O'Donnell
Viliami Vailea
Mackay Cutters
Mason Barber*
Reuben Cotter
Tom Dearden
Scott Drinkwater
Xavier Kerrisk*
Mason Kira
Jaxon Purdue
Liam Sutton*
Murray Taulagi
Jason Taumalolo
James Walsh
Matthew Watts*
*Dev List and Train and Replacement players
