Bolton locked in for Cowboys NRL trial

Feb 14, 2017 - 3:40 AM Scott Bolton appears to have won the battle for James Tamou's starting spot after being named alongside Test prop Matthew Scott for North Queensland's final NRL trial against the Wests Tigers.

With coach Paul Green using the match as a virtual dress rehearsal for the club's round-one clash with Canberra, Bolton is set to start on Friday while fellow props Sam Hoare, Patrick Kaufusi and John Asiata are on the bench for the Campbelltown match.

Outgoing teen sensation Kalyn Ponga has been overlooked, relegated to play in the club's under-20s trial against Queensland Cup side Townsville.

Ponga, who is signed to Newcastle for 2018, played two finals matches for the Cowboys last year and was a standout for the club in the Auckland Nines and their first trial against the Sydney Roosters.

However, Green opted to stick with the same backline he used for most of last year, indicating the 18-year-old could spend the majority of the year in the National Youth Cup.

"I've said all along this trial is our last proper hitout before round one," Green said.

"It will be pretty close to what the round-one team will look like."

Bolton started four times for the Cowboys last year, mostly when the star-studded side were missing their State of Origin representatives.

However, with Tamou's off-season defection to Penrith, the Cowboys need a new regular front-row starting combination for the first time since 2011.

With the departure of Rory Kostjasyn to Newcastle, the Cowboys will have a new-look bench for 2017.

But given Green's preference to use hooker Jake Granville in short bursts, it also appears unlikely Ponga will be given an opportunity there.

Instead, former Melbourne playmaker Ben Hampton has a chance to stake his claim as a utility, with regular back-up rake Ray Thompson battling a knee injury.

"Ray's still fighting it out for that utility spot," Green said.

"It makes it harder for him given he hasn't had any game time, but he hasn't been ruled out at all."

Meanwhile, Green appears to be favouring experience over youth in those positions, with Hoare and Asiata named ahead of Braden Uele after impressing in the club's 11-10 trial win over the Roosters on Saturday in Mackay.

NORTH QUEENSLAND SQUAD: John Asiata, Scott Bolton, Gavin Cooper, Lachlan Coote, Kyle Feldt, Jake Granville, Ben Hampton, Coen Hess, Sam Hoare, Patrick Kaufusi, Kane Linnett, Ethan Lowe, Michael Morgan, Justin O'Neill, Matt Scott, Jason Taumalolo, Johnathan Thurston, Antonio Winterstein.

Source: AAP