{"id":372188,"date":"2025-12-26T03:26:19","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T03:26:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/372188\/"},"modified":"2025-12-26T03:26:19","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T03:26:19","slug":"cowboys-2026-nrl-squad-analysis-outside-backs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/372188\/","title":{"rendered":"Cowboys 2026 NRL squad analysis – outside backs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cowboys.com.au are providing an in-depth positional analysis of the 2026 North Queensland Toyota Cowboys squad. We continue the series today with the outside backs headlined by International winger Murray Taulagi<\/a> and emerging superstar Jaxon Purdue<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The players are ranked by their NRL experience with their career numbers of games in brackets next to their name.<\/p>\n

>>> Part 1: Fullback<\/a><\/p>\n

Murray Taulagi<\/a> (108)<\/p>\n

Taulagi entered the top 10 for the top try scorers in Cowboys history last season, now sitting on 61 over the course of his seven seasons in the NRL. Hamstring and calf injuries limited Taulagi to 15 games in 2025, although he still managed to score 12 tries in his limited appearances. He enters 2026 as the Cowboys most experienced outside back.<\/p>\n


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Braidon Burns<\/a> (79)<\/p>\n

Burns has been a revelation since being plucked from South Sydney\u2019s reserve grade team in 2024. The 29-year-old emerged as the first-choice right-winger in Todd Payten\u2019s side in 2025, scoring seven tries in 13 games. Burns also has significant experience at centre in the NRL.<\/p>\n


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Jaxson Paulo<\/a> (66)<\/p>\n

Entering his second season in North Queensland, Paulo provides significant experience and depth at both wing and centre. A grand finalist with South Sydney, Paulo played three games for North Queensland in his debut season, scoring two tries.<\/p>\n


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Viliami Vailea<\/a> (49)<\/p>\n

The 23-year-old has operated as the first-choice right centre for the Cowboys when fit over the past two seasons. Vailea will be locked in a tight battle alongside a number of others for a centre spot in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n


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Jaxon Purdue<\/a> (32)<\/p>\n

After debuting as an 18-year-old in 2024, Purdue emerged as a strike weapon for the Cowboys last season, scoring 14 tries in 24 games. The 20-year-old also spent time in the halves last season, which was his main spot as a junior and he could again potentially spend time alongside Tom Dearden<\/a> again in 2026.<\/p>\n


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Zac Laybutt<\/a> (22)<\/p>\n

After missing much of the 2024 season with an ACL injury, Laybutt returned in 2025 to play 14 games at centre for the Cowboys. The PNG International has been drawing rave reviews from Cowboys coaches in the pre-season and is firmly entrenched in the battle for a Round 1 centre spot.<\/p>\n


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Robert Derby<\/a> (18)<\/p>\n

After making his NRL debut in 2023, Derby had to wait almost two years for his next NRL appearance, which came in Round 3 last season. The physically gifted 23-year-old scored nine tries in 18 games in 2025, primarily playing on the right wing.<\/p>\n


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Tom Chester<\/a> (12)<\/p>\n

Injuries have derailed the first four years of Chester\u2019s first grade career, but when fit he has shown little issue with handling NRL level. Previously included at fullback, Chester\u2019s best route to the Cowboys\u2019 side may be at centre, with Scott Drinkwater<\/a> entrenched in the No.1 jersey.<\/p>\n


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Ethan King<\/a> (3)<\/p>\n

Much like Chester<\/a>, King\u2019s favourite position may be fullback, but centre could be where he sees his first NRL action for North Queensland. The 23-year-old started two games in the centres for the Roosters in 2025.<\/p>\n


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Mason Barber<\/a> (0)<\/p>\n

Previously included at fullback, the speedster has also trained at centre and wing over the pre-season. After missing the entire 2025 season through a shoulder injury, Barber will be looking to nail down a Queensland Cup debut early in 2026.<\/p>\n


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Ronald Philitoga<\/a> (0)<\/p>\n

One of the standout wingers of the 2025 Queensland Cup season, Philitoga joins the Cowboys on a Development List contract. A former Wynnum Manly Seagull, Philitoga has scored 24 tries in just 27 Queensland Cup games.<\/p>\n


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James Walsh<\/a> (0)<\/p>\n

A recent signing from The Dolphins, Walsh had been on the brink of an NRL debut in 2025, appearing as 18th or 19th man on multiple occasions. A renowned tackle-breaker, Walsh also has the ability to play second row.<\/p>\n


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