Head Coach Todd Payten has named a 22‑man squad for the Cowboys’ historic Round 1 clash against the Newcastle Knights at Allegiant Stadium.
Reed Mahoney is the only confirmed debutant so far, locked in at hooker for his first official outing in Cowboys colours. But he may not be alone with Soni Luke, Liam Sutton and Matt Lodge are all in the frame to join him and Payten keeping options open as the squad settles into its final shape.
Young gun Jaxon Purdue, who will start the season in the centres, while Jake Clifford has earned the No. 6 jersey to partner co‑captain Tom Dearden in the halves. In the forwards, Sam McIntyre gets the nod in the second row with Jeremiah Nanai sidelined through injury, and there’s good news for fans with Griffin Neame overcoming shoulder and calf issues to take his place on the interchange.
The Cowboys will run out in Vegas at 6.15pm local time — 12.15pm for Queensland viewers — as the club begins its 2026 campaign on American soil with a squad that blends experience and youth.
Cowboys team to play Knights:
- Scott Drinkwater
- Braidon Burns
- Jaxon Purdue
- Tom Chester
- Murray Taulagi
- Jake Clifford
- Tom Dearden (c)
- Coen Hess
- Reed Mahoney
- Jason Taumalolo
- Heilum Luki
- Sam McIntyre
- Reuben Cotter (c)
Interchange:
- Soni Luke
- Tom Mikaele
- Harrison Edwards
- Kai O’Donnell
- Griffin Neame
- John Bateman
- Liam Sutton
- Matt Lodge
- Robert Derby
