DONALD Malone will stake his claim for a Cowboys jersey when the three-quarter confronts his former club Ipswich on Saturday.
Amid an influx of NRL firepower to be welcomed at the Mackay Cutters for this weekend’s clash, it will be Malone’s impact out wide that will be closely monitored by Cowboys officials who are hunting for a winger for next week’s crunch clash against Manly at Townsville.
While the 24-year-old will showcase his skills against the Jets, fellow Cowboys backs Michael Bani and Ty Williams will press their claims with Northern Pride against heavyweights Norths at Bishop Park.
“I think he (Malone) is a big chance. He’s been very good for us,” Cutters coach Paul Bramley said of the damaging ball runner who has been biding his time with Mackay, hoping for a recall to the Cowboys after playing two games for them last year.
With North Queensland experiencing a bye this weekend, the Cutters welcome seven Cowboys to their ranks for their all-important confrontation with the Jets at North Ipswich Reserve.
Ball-player Grant Rovelli and forwards Antonio Kaufusi and Leeson Ah Mau will join fellow Cowboys Malone, Ben Harris and Isaak Ah Mau at the Cutters for the round 10 encounter.
Shannon Gallant’s return to the Intrust Super Cup allows Mackay’s fleet-footed fullback Justin Hunt more time to mend a broken nose sustained a couple of weeks ago.
“It’s a position of luxury we’re in this weekend and I thought it would be a good time to give him a bit of a rest,” Bramley said.
While backrowers Mitchell Achurch (leg) and Grant Moore (back) were not considered, the arrival of several Cowboys will force Todd Titmus and Shane Muspratt from the fold.
Titmus will play for Norths in the Skills Training Cup while Muspratt is expected to play for Magpies.
Bramley will be eager to expose the frailties of last-placed Ipswich, which has the worst defensive record.
The Jets have two dual-registered Gold Coast Titans; prop Aaron Cannings and rake Ian Lacey. Former Cowboys and Cutters player Keiron Lander will play five-eighth for them.
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