North Queensland Cowboys team list, latest squad news for Round 25

Mark Molyneux

North Queensland Cowboys team list, latest squad news for Round 25 image

North Queensland are in the midst of a dire run, winning just two of their last five matches. 

The Cowboys' defence has been a major weakness during this period, as they have conceded big scores against the likes of the Dolphins and Cronulla. 

Todd Payten's side put Newcastle to the sword last week but face a much tougher task this week against the Wests Tigers. 

MORE: North Queensland Cowboys 2025 NRL draw and schedule

North Queensland Cowboys NRL game this week

The Cowboys will take on the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, August 23 at 4:05pm (AEST).

Cowboys confirmed team list for Round 25

1. Scott Drinkwater 
2. Semi Valemei 
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Viliami Vailea
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 

14. Karl Lawton
15. Harrison Edwards 
16. Zac Laybutt  
17. Thomas Mikaele

18. Kai O'Donnell 
19. Marly Bitungane
20. Nicholas Lenaz
21. Jaxson Paulo 
22. Kaiden Lahrs

Cowboys latest team news:

North Queensland romped to a big win over the embattled Knights, so Todd Payten has named an unchanged side. 

Viliami Vailea was a late addition to the backline last week, with his inclusion pushing Zac Laybutt to the bench and Kai O'Donnell to 18th man. 

Murray Taulagi was scheduled to return from a hamstring injury but he remains on the sidelines. 

Coen Hess is suspended for the rest of the campaign, while Robert Derby and Griffin Neame recently picked up injuries that ruled them out for the rest of the year. 

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.