Debutant Duffy developing the right combination with Dearden

Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter said he was confident the Townsville junior was ready for his debut and the side would work hard to make it a memorable experience for him.

“It's obviously very special for him, but his family as well. He's a Townsville product and an Iggy [Ignatius Park College] boy, so we're all very excited for him to get his opportunity this weekend.

“Everyone remembers their debut and we're going to try and make it a special one for him.

“He's had a great pre-season from what I've seen and has no dramas directing players and he really has a voice amongst the team and he's pretty switched on, so really looking forward to seeing how he goes this weekend.

"Was pretty happy with how he attacked that Melbourne trial and definitely doesn't look out of place.

“He's got a great kicking game, he is very vocal and his ability, he's got a smart footy brain as well, so bringing that to the team alongside Tommy Dearden; it's a good combination, so we're looking forward to him starting and really trying to develop that combination.

“I just call Duffy 'Duff Man' and then obviously Tommy Dearden's 'Mud' to everyone, so it's pretty easy (to call them on the field)."

While well-versed with dealing with natural disasters having gone through plenty in North Queensland, this time, the Cowboys are relatively unaffected, but do have contingencies in place to ensure they can get home after the game.

“Unaffected at home, we're a fair way from Brisbane, but we understand what they're going through," Payten said. 

“We went through one a bit over 12 months ago, so certainly understand the concern and nervousness of the people in Brisbane. We hope they get through with our best wishes.

“We have three different plans with flights coming on Sunday morning, so I guess we have to wait and see how the airport is and what situation there is in Brisbane, but we've got three different plans, so we'll just play by ear, we'll adapt accordingly.”

They also have a plan to deal with overcoming Manly, including the threat of star fullback Tom Trbojevic and wiles of Cherry-Evans.

“Manly are probably a team that you probably don't know what to expect with them," Cowboys hooker Reece Robson said. 

"They're a big side and ... they're probably one of the better teams in the comp when they get that momentum.

"Obviously, the likes of Tommy Turbo and Cherry are pretty experienced in the game and can tear a game apart when they're on, so we need to try and nullify those boys as much as we can.

"For myself and the rest of the middles in the centre of the field, just doing a good job on their big boys in the middle because they can wind up and if they get rolling too quick, then the likes of the boys I just mentioned can do some damage off the back of it.

"We just need to make sure we're getting our job done in the middle and trying to win the tackles as best we can because you don't want to get those boys too fresh cos they're hard to handle.”