The North Queensland Cowboys have made significant changes to their team following a dismal start to the 2025 season. Jeremiah Nanai, a Queensland State of Origin forward, has been dropped after the Cowboys suffered a heavy 42-12 defeat against Manly in their opening game. The decision comes as the team seeks to reinforce its defense and regain momentum.
Nanai, known for his attacking prowess, struggled defensively during the game, recording more missed tackles than runs. The 22-year-old's performance prompted Cowboys coach Todd Payten to make the tough decision to send Nanai to the Q Cup to hone his defensive skills.
"Jeremiah is an elite attacking player but needs to improve some defensive parts of his game," – Cowboys coach Todd Payten.
Line-Up Adjustments
In response to the early season setback, the Cowboys have named Kai O'Donnell as Nanai's replacement for their upcoming match against Cronulla. O'Donnell, who joined North Queensland from Super League side Leigh over the off-season, will debut for the Cowboys this Saturday. His inclusion is expected to bring fresh energy and stability to the team's line-up.
Meanwhile, Jason Taumalolo is part of the extended squad as he continues recovering from a foot injury. His potential return could further bolster the team's performance in the upcoming matches.
Cronulla's Consistency
While the Cowboys have opted for changes, their opponents, Cronulla, have maintained faith in their existing squad despite a recent defeat by Penrith in Las Vegas. Albert Hopoate has been selected to fill Savage's wing spot, while Matty Nicholson, set for his NRL debut, joins the bench.
The upcoming clash promises to be a test of resilience and strategy as both teams aim to secure a win and set a positive tone for the rest of the season.
Strategic Decisions
The decision to drop Nanai reflects a strategic move by Coach Payten focused on strengthening the team's defense. Payten emphasized the importance of prioritizing defense to improve overall team performance.
"He's going to get some time in the Q Cup, which was not an easy decision but I felt it was important for the group that if we want to improve as a team, defence is first and foremost." – Cowboys coach Todd Payten.
