Jake Clifford will get another chance to press his claims for the North Queensland No.6 with halves rival Scott Drinkwater sidelined for the preseason trial against Melbourne on Saturday.
A star of the Cowboys’ victorious NRL Nines campaign, Drinkwater (pectoral strain) won’t play against his former club at Casey Fields, with Clifford set to be reunited with captain Michael Morgan as he attempts to nail down the spot this NRL season.
Also a fullback, Drinkwater has proved his versatility by slotting into the playmaker role since the arrival of Valentine Holmes, who will wear the No.1 against the Storm after a successful return to rugby league last weekend in Cairns against Brisbane.
Morgan, rested from this year’s Nines and last weekend’s trial, endured injuries and a double dose of concussions last season.
But the captain benefited from a full preseason in a boost for a side that has struggled to nail down their playmaking combination since Johnathan Thurston’s retirement at the end of 2018.
“It’s the first time in four or five years I’ve had a full, healthy preseason and it’s put me in a good position to go into year well and build combinations with different guys,” Morgan told AAP.
“Getting Val was a spanner in the works for Drinky but we know he is happy to play in the halves and Cliffo is doing well in preseason too.
“We know things change and we’ve all trained there, so no matter who starts (in round one), both will play a big role this year and it’s a blessing to have both options there this season.”
Hooker Jake Granville will also start ahead of St George Illawarra recruit Reece Robson in what shapes as the other big selection call ahead of coach Paul Green before the opening round next month.
Experienced forwards John Asiata and Gavin Cooper have also been named for their first hit-outs of the season while Wests Tigers recruit Esan Marsters will add pace and power in the centres.