North Queensland Cowboys team list, latest squad news for Round 26

Mark Molyneux

North Queensland Cowboys team list, latest squad news for Round 26 image

North Queensland are in the midst of a dire run but managed to rally and beat the Wests Tigers last week to lift the mood around the club. 

The Cowboys will try to keep this momentum going when they take on Brisbane in what promises to be a full-blooded Queensland derby. 

Todd Payten's side will be hoping to put on a show in their final game of the season before they have the bye in Round 27. 

MORE: North Queensland Cowboys 2025 NRL draw and schedule

North Queensland Cowboys NRL game this week

The Cowboys will take on the Broncos at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday, August 30 at 7:35pm (AEST).

Cowboys confirmed team list for Round 26

1. Scott Drinkwater 
2. Semi Valemei
3. Jaxon Purdue
14. Zac Laybutt
5. Braidon Burns   
6. Jake Clifford  
7. Tom Dearden 
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson 
10. Jason Taumalolo  
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai 
13. Reuben Cotter 
 
15. Karl Lawton 
16. Harrison Edwards 
17. Thomas Mikaele
18. Kai O'Donnell 

19. Marly Bitungane
21. Jaxson Paulo 

Cowboys latest team news:

The Cowboys produced an entertaining late comeback to topple the Tigers last week and Todd Payten has named a settled side for this one. 

Murray Taulagi was scheduled to return from a hamstring injury this week, although the winger remains out. 

Robert Derby and Griffin Neame have been ruled out for the remainder of the season, while Coen Hess is suspended. 

UPDATE:

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Viliami Vailea has dropped out after suffering a hamstring injury. Zac Laybutt has been brought off the bench and will start in the centres, while Kai O'Donnell has been added to the 17. 

Mark Molyneux

Mark Molyneux is a freelance writer covering the NRL and UFC for Sporting News Australia. He has previously worked in the music industry and as a teacher around the world.