Cowboys’ powerhouse Round 16 lineup revealed – ready to clash with the Roosters in a high-stakes NRL showdown!
In rugby league, the composition of the interchange and reserves bench plays a pivotal role in determining the overall strategy and adaptability of a team throughout the match. These players provide the fresh legs, tactical flexibility, and cover required to manage fatigue, injuries, and game flow. The following is a detailed look at the players designated for interchange and reserve duties, showcasing their potential impact on the game, background, and what they bring to the team dynamic.
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Interchange Bench
14. Harrison Edwards
Harrison Edwards is a robust and versatile forward who has increasingly become a dependable figure coming off the bench. His physical presence, strong defensive technique, and work ethic make him a valuable rotational piece. Able to fill in across multiple forward positions, Edwards injects energy and provides coverage when key forwards need a rest. His tactical awareness and ability to maintain defensive shape are critical assets, especially in the latter stages of a match.
15. Sam McIntyre
Sam McIntyre brings a tough, gritty style of play that complements the forward pack. Known for his high motor and willingness to take on hard carries, McIntyre is a player who does the dirty work in the middle of the field. His ability to consistently bend the line and absorb defensive pressure makes him an ideal impact player from the interchange bench. Whether he’s slotting in at lock or second row, his defensive tenacity and stamina provide crucial depth during tight encounters.
16. Griffin Neame
Griffin Neame is a powerful front-rower who plays with intensity and aggression. His inclusion in the interchange lineup signifies a focus on maintaining momentum and physical dominance throughout the full 80 minutes. Neame is renowned for his barnstorming runs and ability to draw multiple defenders, which creates space for his teammates. When introduced into the game, he brings a physical edge and the potential to shift the momentum with a key hit-up or tackle.
17. Tom Mikaele
Rounding out the interchange is Tom Mikaele, another forward with size and aggression. Mikaele is an imposing figure on the field, using his frame to break through defensive lines and impose himself physically. His role is particularly crucial in the second half when opposition forwards begin to tire. His strong carries, quick play-the-ball speed, and ability to generate post-contact metres offer a vital injection of energy and physicality from the bench.
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Reserve List
18. Jake Clifford
Jake Clifford provides critical depth in the halves and can seamlessly step into a playmaking role if needed. A gifted kicker and distributor, Clifford has the vision and composure to guide a team around the park. His role as a reserve halfback or five-eighth ensures the team can cover any injury or fatigue in the spine positions. Clifford’s game management and ability to spark attacking movements make him a valuable insurance policy on the extended bench.
19. Karl Lawton
Karl Lawton is a versatile utility player capable of playing at hooker, lock, or in the back row. His utility value is immense, allowing the coaching staff to adapt to unexpected injuries or tactical shifts mid-game. Lawton brings energy and a hard-nosed attitude on both sides of the ball, often lifting the tempo with his quick defensive reads and aggressive runs from dummy half. His inclusion on the reserves list demonstrates the importance of flexibility and resilience in squad depth.
20. Kai O’Donnell
A hardworking back-rower, Kai O’Donnell is known for his tireless work rate and commitment to defense. While he may not be in the starting 17, his presence in the reserves highlights the team’s focus on having reliable reinforcements ready to step up. O’Donnell’s attitude and consistency have earned him a reputation as a dependable performer who can slot in without disrupting team cohesion.
21. Kaiden Lahrs
Kaiden Lahrs represents a younger, developing forward prospect within the squad. He is steadily making a name for himself through his strong performances in lower grades or training squads. While not yet a regular fixture in the top 17, his inclusion on the reserves list is a nod to his potential and readiness to step into the team environment if required. Lahrs’ selection reflects the coaching staff’s long-term planning and investment in youth development.
22. Braidon Burns
A dynamic outside back, Braidon Burns offers cover for both centre and wing positions. His speed, footwork, and finishing ability make him a valuable asset in the event of injuries to the backline. Burns also has experience at the NRL level, which adds a layer of reliability to the reserve unit. His ability to break tackles and create line breaks could prove game-changing if he’s called into action.
23. Tom Duffy
Tom Duffy is a young playmaker being groomed for future first-grade responsibilities. As a halfback or five-eighth, his inclusion in the reserves signals a strategic investment in nurturing talent while maintaining readiness in critical positions. Duffy’s creative flair, combined with a developing kicking game, makes him a potential x-factor should an opportunity arise. His time on the reserves list will also help him gain experience within the senior squad environment.
24. Emarly Bitungane
Emarly Bitungane is a physically gifted forward prospect who adds depth to the middle rotation. Though still relatively raw, his potential is evident in his strong ball carries and aggressive tackling. Being listed among the reserves gives him valuable exposure to first-grade systems and standards. His physicality and size offer the coaching staff another big-bodied option if reinforcement in the forward pack becomes necessary.
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Final Thoughts
The interchange and reserves players form the backbone of any team’s in-game adaptability and injury contingency plans. This list combines experienced contributors and emerging talents, striking a balance between immediate impact and long-term development. Each player named—from the hard-running forwards like Tom Mikaele and Griffin Neame, to utility options like Karl Lawton and Jake Clifford—brings a specific skill set tailored to maintaining the team’s competitive edge across all phases of the match. Their roles may start on the be
nch, but their importance is anything but secondary.
