North Queensland have named Jason Taumalolo in their side to face Wests Tigers on Sunday, while questions over co-skipper Michael Morgan’s future remain.
Taumalolo hasn’t played since his side’s round-one loss to Penrith, suffering a fractured hand in mid-March during training.
His co-captain Michael Morgan remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, and with the issue persisting Morgan will now see a specialist in Brisbane on Thursday.
“(He’s seeing the specialist) probably to get another opinion,” Cowboys coach Todd Payten said.
“It’s going to be a big decision whatever happens, so we just need to do our due diligence and make sure that he’s got all the advice and we’ve dotted the I’s and crossed the T’s.
“We will have some more clarity after that, in what direction I have no idea.”
Payten added Morgan has been training with the side but in a non-contact role.
Taumalolo returns to a Cowboys side desperate to turn their season around after slumping to a 0-4 record.
Following criticism for his defensive effort in round one, the same minutes restriction are in place for Taumalolo but Payten says he’s “chomping at the bit” to get back out there.
“My opinion around that hasn’t changed,” Payten said on Taumalolo’s minutes.
“I think he’s keen to get out there and play – off the back of that first round, he was really chomping at the bit for round two… It didn’t work out, and he’s had to sit on the sidelines and watch us for a couple of weeks now and he’s just wanting to play well.”
Kyle Feldt also rejoins the starting side after missing two weeks due to suspension and while Payten admits confidence is low at the club, their inclusions will boost morale.
“Confidence is low, there’s no doubt. We’re zero and four, everyone’s looking for answers, but I know through experience the best way to get ourselves out of it is to work our way out of it, and it starts with training and it has to transfer into games.
“I think it will add some confidence to the players absolutely, having two really good players back in the team, so, from that point of view it’s a positive.”
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