The Cowboys will head into Round 2 with a slightly different look after two changes were made to the side that opened the season in Las Vegas. Tom Mikaele is facing time on the sidelines with a knee injury, while John Bateman is also out after hurting his wrist. Coach Todd Payten says there are some positive early signs around Mikaele’s recovery, but the club won’t be rushing him back.
Ethan King and Kaiden Lahrs have been elevated into the squad as cover, giving both young players a chance to push their case early in the season.
The good news for fans is on the wing, with Braidon Burns cleared to play after successfully downgrading his high‑tackle charge at the judiciary. What was originally a two‑game suspension has been reduced to a fine, keeping him available for Saturday’s clash with the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.
