The North Queensland Cowboys will rest Reece Robson and Murray Taulagi for round 14 after they experienced soreness following the first game of the State of Origin series. Despite this, the team will wait until closer to their home game against the Warriors on Saturday night to decide if Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, and Val Holmes can participate after their involvement in Wednesday night’s Origin I.
Sam McIntyre is set to replace Robson at hooker. Robson, who played the full 80 minutes for NSW in their 38-10 defeat, has reported a sore neck. McIntyre has limited experience starting as a hooker, with only two starts in his 52-game NRL career, both with Gold Coast in 2022. The usual back-up hooker, Jake Granville, is unavailable due to a biceps injury.
Braidon Burns is expected to maintain his position on Taulagi’s wing. Burns has performed well since joining the Cowboys mid-season from South Sydney. Taulagi has a minor shoulder issue but is not anticipated to miss any games beyond round 14.
Coach Todd Payten emphasized the importance of rest for both Robson and Taulagi. “We could needle ‘Muz’ up and roll him out, but three days after a big game, I don’t think that’s great for his long-term health,” Payten said. He assured that both players are expected to be fit for the following game. Payten stressed the necessity of prioritizing the players’ well-being, noting Robson’s significant contribution, particularly in defense, as he consistently makes around 50 tackles per game.
The Cowboys will finalize their squad of 19 players by 5:30pm AEDT on Friday, at which point decisions regarding the other Origin players will be made. Payten expressed satisfaction with the performance of his Cowboys representatives in the Origin series, particularly highlighting those on the winning Queensland team.
Robson stood out despite being on the losing side, making the most tackles of any player on the field with 50. Nanai and Cotter followed closely with 48 and 45 tackles, respectively. Payten praised Robson’s endurance and overall performance, noting his good service and consistent tackling throughout the game.
Regarding the Queensland representatives, Payten commended Dearden, saying he played with the confidence of a seasoned Origin player. He described Taulagi as a standout star and acknowledged Holmes’s experience and reliability. Nanai’s 48 tackles and Cotter’s 70-minute performance also received special mention. “Reuben just does what he does,” Payten added, underscoring Cotter’s consistent and dependable play.
In summary, the Cowboys are carefully managing their players’ health following the intense Origin match, ensuring key players are rested and ready for future games. The decisions on whether Nanai, Cotter, Dearden, and Holmes will play against the Warriors will be made closer to game day.
