Taumalolo return looms for badly beaten Cowboys

North Queensland are expected to get Jason Taumalolo back for their clash with Cronulla, as coach Todd Payten urges players to stick together following a round-one flogging.

Requiring off-season foot surgery after he was injured in Tongan camp at the end of last year, Taumalolo missed the Cowboys' horror 42-12 season-opening loss to Manly on Saturday.

The Cowboys forward has returned to training, and is likely to be crucial for North Queensland in next Saturday's home match against the Sharks.

BRAIDON TURNING ON THE BURNERS 🚀 #NRLManlyCowboys pic.twitter.com/oU4yQlqSd5— NRL (@NRL) March 8, 2025

There was the odd moment of success for the Cowboys in their big loss.

The 31-year-old's return will come as a significant boost for the Cowboys, after their defence was torn apart early in Saturday night's loss.

The Cowboys were never in the contest, down 16-0 after 11 minutes with Daly Cherry-Evans, Tom Trbojevic and Haumole Olakau'atu targeting their edges.

North Queensland's back five and halves missed 20 tackles between them, while their pack was steamrolled with no forward running 100 metres.

"I spoke to them afterwards about some of our individuals being off the mark, asked them to think about their prep both physically and mentally," coach Todd Payten said.

"I asked a question which I didn't need an answer for straight away, that we will come back to tomorrow.

"And then I told them to be ready for work when we come back to work through the week. It is round one, we have to put our heads down and stay together."

Saturday's loss also marked a tough debut for 21-year-old halfback Thomas Duffy, who had a travelling pack of close to 25 fans for his maiden NRL match.

The rookie has won the No.7 jersey from Jake Clifford after dominating in Queensland Cup last year, but had little good ball to work with in his NRL debut.

Duffy put a pass into touch and also gave away a seven-tackle set, but realistically the Cowboys' attack struggled on the lack of limited ball and attempts to play catch-up football.

"Tough one for him and the club really," Payten said.

"I thought he was solid. Played behind a beaten forward pack. Kicked okay, tackled okay. It's a big step up and he will be better for it."