It was against a B-grade Panthers side, but there was a lot to like about North Queensland\u2019s new-look spine, with recruit Reed Mahoney starring.<\/p>\n
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WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Ricky Stuart might have something to think about when it comes to who will replace Jamal Fogarty in the Raiders No. 7 jersey.<\/p>\n
Read on for the NRL Talking Points from Trials Week 2. <\/p>\n
FORMER BRONCOS STAR SHINES IN DOLPHINS DEBUT <\/p>\n
Selwyn Cobbo made his Dolphins debut and impressed on Thursday night<\/a>.<\/p>\n But his inclusion raises a huge question \u2013 where can he make the biggest impact?<\/p>\n The Broncos recruit featured in the centres against the Titans, racking up three tackle breaks and a linebreak assist in only a short time on-field.<\/p>\n However, league legend Greg Alexander believes he would be better suited to shift wider in the Dolphins\u2019 backline.<\/p>\n \u201cIt will be interesting to see where Kristian Woolf fits him in the team\u2026 I don\u2019t think I\u2019d burden him with the role of defending in the centres,\u201d Alexander said.<\/p>\n \u201cStick him on the wing, let him use that brute strength\u2026 I think on the wing will be the best spot for Selwyn.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa was quizzed on how he connection with Cobbo was coming along in pre-season.<\/p>\n \u201cStill building, understanding some of the strengths of Selwyn\u2019s game and making sure that we give him time and space with the ball,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cJust let him do his thing, he can come up with some crazy things\u2026 the more I can give him the ball in time and space, the better our team will be.\u201d<\/p>\n Get all the latest news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports NRL Sportmail. Sign up now!!! <\/a><\/p>\n Michael Ennis, meanwhile, praised his performance and urged the star flyer to get the ball in his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought he was terrific, he looks a lot fitter Selwyn\u2026 Selwyn can do things on a field that others just can\u2019t,\u201d Ennis said.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought he had a good first half, he can go looking for more work, but they didn\u2019t hold the footy a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n With Payne Haas and Adam Reynolds leaving the broncos, Cobbo could return to the Broncos on a big money deal. <\/p>\n But one thing is for sure if he doesn\u2019t stay at the Dolphins \u2014 there will be no shortage of clubs lining up for his services most notably the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs. <\/p>\n Titans down Phins in pre-season hit out | 01:52<\/p>\n BULLDOGS CONTINGENCY AS BURTON BLOW ROCKS HALVES COMBO<\/p>\n Cameron Ciraldo was planning to persist with a halves combination of Matt Burton at five-eighth and Lachlan Galvin at halfback in 2026, but an injury could see a big change for Round 1. <\/p>\n Burton limped off with a hamstring injury in the 28-0 win over the Knights<\/a> and is unlikely to play in Round 1, which could see a reshuffle. <\/p>\n Greg Alexander said in commentary on Fox League that it was \u201cnot a good sign\u201d that Burton was limping off and expected he will miss the team\u2019s opener in Vegas. <\/p>\n \u201cBut if you are looking for a replacement, the man that came on the field Sean O\u2019Sullivan might have been close to the Bulldogs\u2019 best player,\u201d the former Panthers playmaker added.<\/p>\n \u201cAn experienced campaigner that just made things tick for the Dogs when he got on the field, including a sideline conversion.\u201d <\/p>\n Matt Burton is under an injury cloud. (Photo by Cameron Spencer\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n Ironically in the build-up to their final trial, Braith Anasta revealed O\u2019Sullivan was looming as the contingency if Galvin failed to fire at No.7. <\/p>\n \u201cThis is the million-dollar question, the contingency is O\u2019Sullivan,\u201d Anasta said when asked if Galvin can make the halfback jersey his own.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve heard some mail that he\u2019s just been training really well there and he\u2019s the steady head with his experience.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd if Galvin and Burton don\u2019t go to plan in the first month there, I think he\u2019ll be in sooner rather than later.\u201d <\/p>\n Now with Burton likely to miss the start of the season, Galvin could switch to his preferred five-eighth role and allow O\u2019Sullivan to be the general at halfback. <\/p>\n The 27-year-old journeyman has played 60 NRL games for the Roosters, Broncos, Warriors, Panthers and Dolphins and could now be the answer to the Bulldogs halves dilemma. <\/p>\n If Galvin and O\u2019Sullivan shine as a pairing, it could allow Burton to come back into the team at centre and form an Origin-calibre pairing with skipper Stephen Crichton. <\/p>\n More importantly, it could take the pressure off Galvin having to be a general and kicker and allow him to play to his strengths as a running five-eighth. <\/p>\n That would mean finding a spot for Bronson Xerri on the wing, but his versatility and speed should make that assignment no problem, and the new combination could unlock the Bulldogs\u2019 attack, which is the only thing stopping them from competing with the elite teams for the title this season. <\/p>\n Burton Injured: ‘No Chance of Vegas!’ | 00:48<\/p>\n YOUNG GUN ENTERS RACE TO REPLACE ELI KATOA<\/p>\n Less than three months ago, the Melbourne Storm were dealt a major blow when it was confirmed that Eli Katoa would miss the entire 2026 season due to a horrific brain injury that he had sustained during the Pacific Championships.<\/p>\n Coming off what was arguably his best season to date, the news couldn\u2019t have come at a worse time for Storm, who had granted a release to Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Ryan Papenhuyzen just weeks earlier. <\/p>\n \u201cHe was for me, the best back-rower in the competition last year and for the last few years,\u201d Luke Keary said on the Fox League Pre-Show.<\/p>\n \u201cThe evolution of him since getting to Melbourne from the Warriors has been outstanding. I think other than Reece Walsh (he was) the best player on the field and it is a massive loss for them. <\/p>\n \u201cIt can\u2019t be understated to lose Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nelson, and then to lose Eli is a big hole, but they have proven they can fill those holes.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd there will be some guys that Craig\u2019s worked with over this last eight to 12 weeks that just fit into those roles and we\u2019ll be talking about them as household names by Round 10.\u201d<\/p>\n Cooper Clarke has yet to make his NRL debut.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n While Katoa\u2019s absence is a massive loss, it has opened the door for others to step in.<\/p>\n Ativalu Lisati is the frontrunner for the vacant spot and finished with a team-high 66 running metres and 20 tackles in the opening half, but Under-19s NSW Blues representative Cooper Clarke is hot on his heels.<\/p>\n Despite mainly being used in the front row throughout his junior career, Clarke was named in the back row and was seen on the right edge before making the transition to the left edge.<\/p>\n Pressing his claim for a first-grade spot, the former Wests Tigers junior made 45 running metres and 16 tackles in the opening half against the Raiders<\/a> before finishing with a further three tackle busts, 24 running metres and ten more tackles.<\/p>\n However, the most impressive thing about his performance was his ability to continually lead the kick chase, which showed his endurance and his refusal to give up in defence.<\/p>\n \u201cThe footwork is impressive of Cooper Clarke, it\u2019s been on display all afternoon – footwork and strength,\u201d Dan Ginnane said on Fox League.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been impressive,\u201d Michael Ennis added.<\/p>\n ‘I can play a number of positions’ | 01:22<\/p>\n EELS RECRUIT TICKS FIRST BOX<\/p>\n It was a decent start to Jonah Pezet\u2019s one-year Parramatta pit stop.<\/p>\n Pezet was solid without being spectacular in his first game in Eels colours, wearing the No. 7 and leading Parra to 22 first half points in a 40-6 rout of Cronulla. <\/p>\n Partnering Joash Papalii in the halves with Mitch Moses rested, Pezet had a try assist and over 300 kick metres in a measured and controlled perfomance before he was benched at half time.<\/p>\n According to Fox League\u2019s Lara Pitt, Moses was very happy with what he saw from his future halves partner. <\/p>\n Former star halfback Greg Alexander said Pezet deserves a pass mark for his 40-minute stint.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone has liked what they\u2019ve seen from Jonah Pezet even though it\u2019s been a small sample size of 18 NRL games but some of the moments he\u2019s had with the Storm and the big games, he\u2019s handled them comfortably,\u201d Alexander said. <\/p>\n \u201cHe looks at home playing NRL<\/p>\n \u201cHe is a very confident young man and that\u2019s another good thing. That\u2019s what you want from a half.<\/p>\n \u201cI think the Eels will be a better side this year playing alongside Mitch Moses.\u201d<\/p>\n Parramatta were taking on a Sharks team without most of their best 17, but Sunday\u2019s performance would have been more than encouraging for Eels fans starved of premiership success.<\/p>\n It\u2019s no secret the Eels have underachieved since reaching a grand final in 2022 but with two classy playmakers in Pezet and Moses at the helm and with a bit of injury luck, it wouldn\u2019t shock to see Parramatta make a serious finals bid this year. <\/p>\n Jonah Pezet handed in a solid performance against the Sharks.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n COWBOYS URGED TO MAKE A CALL IN ANSWER TO \u2018BIGGEST QUESTION\u2019<\/p>\n The Cowboys spine is ready to answer their critics after orchestrating a big 66-24 win over an admittedly depleted Panthers side<\/a>. <\/p>\n Jake Clifford had two tries, 51 run metres, a linebreak and two try assists to announce himself as the frontrunner to partner Tom Dearden, who had two linebreak assists and a try assist of his own. <\/p>\n And Jaxon Purdue shone at centre with a linebreak, a linebreak assist, a try assist and a try to put his hand up for both centre and a halves spot. <\/p>\n Luke Keary noted pre-game that the Cowboys need to decide on their spine and stick to it to build combinations. <\/p>\n \u201cWhen you go through that team, they should be playing finals footy,\u201d Keary said. <\/p>\n \u201cThat pack is great and there is Origin players everywhere. Tom Dearden is one of the best halves in the competition. <\/p>\n \u201cThey have a very good roster. They have proven it over the years. They made a prelim final in Todd Payten\u2019s second year. <\/p>\n \u201cThe one question mark is they have got to get the halves and the spine right. <\/p>\n \u201cTo go into a season not knowing who your No.6 and No.7 are, I don\u2019t understand that. It is hard for me to get my head around. <\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t not know who your halfback and five-eighth is and think you are going to walk into a season and dominate, it doesn\u2019t happen.\u201d <\/p>\n Kevin Walters backed Purdue to play centre at this stage of his career after an eye-catching display. <\/p>\n \u201cRight now Purdue\u2019s best position is left centre,\u201d Walters said. <\/p>\n \u201cI think for stability and their best 17 on the field, I like the look of Clifford and Dearden in the halves and Purdue at centre.\u201d <\/p>\n The Cowboys spine is taking shape.Source: FOX SPORTS<\/p>\n Brent Tate agreed the Cowboys need Purdue in the centres. <\/p>\n \u201cLooking at Purdue for the balance of this side he needs to play centre,\u201d Tate said. <\/p>\n \u201cHe just gives them a lot more strike. The Cowboys have two good young centres in Purdue and Laybutt, who look very hard to handle.\u201d <\/p>\n Clifford has been the best Cowboys player in the trials and Walters put it down to his role changing from previous years. <\/p>\n \u201cHe is more of a running player so the No.6 on his back could be good for his mind frame,\u201d Walters said of Clifford. <\/p>\n Keary, meanwhile, didn\u2019t think Clifford could have done much more to put his hand up to start in the halves and said North Queensland\u2019s spine in general answered the questions he had pre-game.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s (Clifford) been awesome, exactly what Todd Payten asked for,\u201d Keary said. <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been calm over on the left. His kicking game has been great from the start. He has taken his opportunities. Nice little try off the scrum there.<\/p>\n \u201cHe looks like he is in control. Dearden looks like he is playing a little bit of second fiddle to him.<\/p>\n \u201cThe big question mark we had pre-game was the spine and I feel like those four players have been the best players on the field.<\/p>\n \u201cClifford has been outstanding. Dearden has just done his job. Reed Mahoney has had a huge impact and Drinkwater has just been floating around doing his thing.\u201d <\/p>\n Payten the coach under the most pressure | 01:44<\/p>\n MAHONEY SENDS BULLDOGS MESSAGE IN STELLAR COWBOYS DEBUT<\/p>\n Reed Mahoney has a point to prove to the Bulldogs in 2026, and he got off to an emphatic start in a stunning debut for the Cowboys in their 66 to 24 thrashing of the Panthers. <\/p>\n Mahoney had 16 run metres, an offload, two linebreak assists and two try assists to go with 12 tackles and just one miss in an eye-catching display. <\/p>\n Luke Keary noted Mahoney played with a steel and purpose in a great sign for the Cowboys going into the season. <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a leader, he was the captain of that Bulldogs team,\u201d Keary said. <\/p>\n \u201cHe has got a chip on his shoulder. He came out and said if anyone knows why the Bulldogs got rid of me let me know. He is playing like that tonight. <\/p>\n \u201cHe is going to be a great addition to the Cowboys. Robson is a big loss but they get a leader and a tough competitor in Mahoney.\u201d <\/p>\n Kevin Walters agreed Mahoney looked like a man possessed in his first hit-out for the Cowboys, calling him \u201cthe most impressive player on the field\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s up in Townsville to prove a point with the Cowboys,\u201d Walters said. <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been in everything good for the Cowboys tonight. He has been involved in every try with his passing and his vision out of dummyhalf. <\/p>\n Reed Mahoney set up two tries in his Cowboys debut.Source: FOX SPORTS<\/p>\n \u201cHe has some good options with Dearden and Drinkwater outside him. That\u2019s what he brings to a football team. He has found a new home up north and he looks pretty good to me.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is rolling out of dummyhalf and taking some good options.I really like him as a player. He is so competitive.\u201d<\/p>\n Cooper Cronk lauded Mahoney\u2019s application and impact, going as far as to point out that he had a steel in his eyes from pre-game. <\/p>\n \u201cBrent Tate interviewed him before the game and there was a different feel and energy about Reed Mahoney,\u201d Cronk said. <\/p>\n \u201cHe came out with a kick to put the pressure on the Panthers and then he set up a nice try for Drinkwater off the scrum. <\/p>\n \u201cHis teammates said he has been doing it all pre-season, which is a good omen for the Cowboys and their leader in the No.9 around the ruck in his first game for the club.\u201d <\/p>\n Reed Mahoney stars on Cowboys debut | 00:58<\/p>\n IS DAINE LAURIE THE BARGAIN SIGNING OF 2026?<\/p>\n In his first match at the Raiders since making the move from the Penrith Panthers, Daine Laurie has proven that he could potentially be the bargain buy of the season.<\/p>\n The versatile Laurie was one of the Raiders\u2019 best performers as they took apart the Storm on Friday evening.<\/p>\n And while neither team played their best players, Laurie has rocketed into contention for the Raiders\u2019 Round 1 team as they look to improve on their straight-sets finish in last year\u2019s finals series.<\/p>\n \u201cHe will certainly ask questions of the opposition defence,\u201d Michael Ennis said on Fox League. <\/p>\n Laurie has spent time in and out of first grade throughout the years, starting at Penrith and managing just three games in 2020 before getting more of an extended run with the Tigers.<\/p>\n The 26-year-old then headed back to the foot of the mountains to play back-up to Dylan Edwards and impressed every time he filled in for the representative fullback, but Dan Ginnane said that based on Laurie\u2019s performance against Melbourne it is clear he has different motivations this time around.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not here to be a back-up fullback, he\u2019s here to play first-grade,\u201d Ginnane said.<\/p>\n \u201cRicky Stuart putting Daine Laurie in the No.7 today may just be the opportunity where he can find himself,\u201d Ennis continued.<\/p>\n Daine Laurie was excellent for the Raiders.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n While he is unlikely to surpass Kaeo Weekes in the fullback role, the Raiders currently have a vacant spot in the halves alongside Ethan Strange as both Ethan Sanders and Coby Black are yet to make that position their own.<\/p>\n He could also be used by Ricky Stuart off the interchange bench as a specialist utility, especially with the implementation of new rules surrounding the interchange – teams can now have six reserves instead of four.<\/p>\n Playing at halfback for the first time in his career, the former Penrith and Tigers utility provided a try assist and played a crucial part in another try as he took apart from the Melbourne Storm.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been good. The boys have been heaps welcoming. It\u2019s been a tough pre-season and it\u2019s good to get some game time there today and the boys turned up,\u201d Laurie said on Fox League post-match.<\/p>\n \u201cI can play a number of positions so I\u2019m just going to keep working hard and if Stick wants me anywhere, I\u2019ll put my hand up.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been good. A champion bloke. When I first came down, I had a feed with him and his missus (and) he\u2019s a heaps genuine person.\u201d<\/p>\n Flanno confirms Holmes fit for Vegas | 00:19<\/p>\n YOUNG MANLY GUNS SHINE TO SHAKE UP HALVES RACE <\/p>\n Jamal Fogarty and Luke Brooks are tipped to get first crack at being Manly\u2019s halves combination this season, but they will have two young guns keeping them honest. <\/p>\n Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large impressed in the Sea Eagles\u2019 33-18 win over the Warriors<\/a> in their first pre-season trial, to show that there is life after the DCE era. <\/p>\n Walsh had 41 run metres, three tackle busts, an offload, a linebreak assist, two try assists and 14 tackles, while he controlled the contest with his kicking game and capped it off with a late field goal. <\/p>\n Large had 44 run metres and 18 tackles and looked dominant on both sides of the ball, particularly with his defence for a young kid fresh out of school. <\/p>\n Michael Ennis lauded Walsh\u2019s calmness and composure for a young player in an eye-catching display. <\/p>\n \u201cSome promising signs, he looks Sharpe and he looks confident,\u201d Ennis said. <\/p>\n \u201cHad a couple of misdirected moments one with a pass as expected. <\/p>\n Joey Walsh starred for Manly.Source: FOX SPORTS<\/p>\n \u201cBut his kicking game has been very sound in the wet. He has put it over the opposition at times and his defence has looked good.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a nice moment when Walsh and Large combined to put Wilson away for a try to Faulalo.\u201d <\/p>\n However, Ennis was even more impressed with Large, who looked dangerous every time he took the ball to the line. <\/p>\n \u201cOnitoni Large has been the one, he has looked really sharpe,\u201d Ennis said. <\/p>\n \u201cI thought this was going to be a physical test for Large, who has just stepped out of high school, but he has been really good. <\/p>\n \u201cHe has handled everything in defence and actually dominated a couple of tackles and when he hits the accelerator he is off.\u201d <\/p>\n Cherry-Evans was the king of field goals during his time at Manly and his heir apparent capped a great performance with a late one-pointer of his own in a passing of the torch moment. <\/p>\n \u201cWalsh capped off a good afternoon with a late field goal,\u201d Ennis said. <\/p>\n \u201cIt was a great performance from the Manly side and their young halfback.\u201d <\/p>\n Joey Walsh stars in Manly’s trial win | 03:14<\/p>\n TIGERS PRODIGY SHOWS ENORMOUS POTENTIAL IN \u2018ONE PLAY\u2019<\/p>\n A dual-code prodigy, Heamasi Makasini shone in his first outing for the Wests Tigers this season as he crossed the line for not one, not two, but three tries.<\/p>\n After playing just one match in the NRL last season (the final game of the regular season), Makasini has leapt into contention to play in the back-line for the club\u2019s opening clash in Round 2.<\/p>\n Still only 18, the Newington College product finished the win over the Roosters<\/a> with three tries, 110 running metres, six tackle busts, one offload and three line-breaks to his name.<\/p>\n The best of these tries came in the opening half when he took on opposing centre Tommy Talau in a one-on-one battle and was able to get past the former Wests Tigers and Manly Sea Eagles player with ease.<\/p>\n \u201cIn one play, we have just seen what this kid\u2019s potential could be,\u201d commentator Cooper Cronk said on Fox League.<\/p>\n \u201cIt ultimately ends up being Makasini one-on-one with Talau and he shows up the more experienced right centre of the Roosters. Stands him up, skips to the outside, gives him a little bump, gets through [Tom] Rodwell and powers over for the Tigers.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is all you want to see. You just want to see a little bit of athleticism, something that you can work with and Rodwell falls over but Makasini looks a threat with the ball in his hands close to the line.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was a little Stephen Crichton that. The big shimmy shimmy shake to the outside, big physical in contact, bumps off Talau and then pushes through.\u201d<\/p>\n Will Heamasi Makasini start for the Tigers?Source: Supplied<\/p>\n Described in commentary as a \u201cscary prospect\u201d, Makasini spoke to <\/a>foxsports.com.au <\/a>earlier this month,<\/a> where he opened up on his decision to select rugby league over rugby union, where he represented the Under-18s Wallabies and attracted interest from various French and Japanese rugby union teams.<\/p>\n However, if he is to force his way into the starting line-up, coach Benji Marshall will have a difficult choice as to who he replace with the spots currently occupied by Sunia Turuva, Taylan May, Starford To\u2019a and Jeral Skelton.<\/p>\n \u201cHe has had an impressive performance here this afternoon, Makasini. Started at centre and moved to the left wing,\u201d Cronk said. <\/p>\n Not to be unnoticed, the halves pairing of Javon Andrews and Jock Madden stood out above the rest. The two playmakers are currently in a two-way battle for the utility spot on the interchange bench due to Latu Fainu missing the opening month with a shoulder injury.<\/p>\n Rejoining the club after a stint with the Brisbane Broncos, Madden had two try assists, two line-break assists and was everywhere in attack.<\/p>\n While he is likely the frontrunner due to his experience, Andrews is hot on his heals and had two try assists and two line-break assists of his own. \u201cHe came up with a double pump that gave Makasini the space for his third try. <\/p>\n \u201cI like what Andrews does with the double pump and makes the Roosters hesitate and when he sees space he gets it over to Makasini who does the rest.\u201d <\/p>\n INSANE Tigers try DEFIES BELIEF! | 00:48<\/p>\n THREE SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR DRAGONS … SO WHO MISSES OUT?<\/p>\n Shane Flanagan is set to be forced into a difficult decision ahead of the Dragons\u2019 Round 1 clash against the Bulldogs in Las Vegas, with the coach admitting that there are still three spots up for grabs.<\/p>\n Clint Gutherson, Valentine Holmes and Moses Suli have all cemented their spot in the back-line. Kyle Flanagan and Daniel Atkinson are confirmed to be the halves. <\/p>\n And Jadyn Su\u2019A, Damien Cook, Luciano Leilua, Toby Couchman, Emre Guler, Hame Sele and Ryan Couchman have all cemented their spots in the forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s probably about three spots I\u2019m undecided about and tonight I\u2019ll sort of make my mind up and hopefully we get through with no injuries,\u201d Flanagan told Fox League pre-match.<\/p>\n \u201cWe just thought Luc at the back end of the year was a bit slow and carried a bit too much weight and the way the game is, he needs to move quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cEdge back-rowers these days can run faster than centres and wingers so he\u2019s dropped about 15kg and he\u2019s feeling better and looking better and hopefully his footy comes good in the next couple of weeks.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n This means two of Christian Tuipulotu, David Fale, and Setu Tu will play in the back line, while one misses out.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen he drifts across the field, he has a good understanding of edge defence,\u201d Cooper Cronk said of Javon Andrews, who was named the 2025 Under-19s Player of the Match. <\/p>\n