Dearden defence earns Cowboys' halves nod

North Queensland youngster Tom Dearden has been given the nod to partner Chad Townsend in the halves when the Cowboys begin their NRL campaign against Canterbury on Sunday.

Dearden impressed in his first-half minutes against Brisbane in the Cowboys' most recent trial and pipped last year's playmaking partner Scott Drinkwater for the five-eighth spot.

Coach Todd Payten said their depth in the halves was a good headache to have and opting for the 20-year-old was based on his hard work over the pre-season and his strong defence.

Watch the latest Sport on Channel 7 or stream for free on 7plus >>

"Both of them attacked really well (in the trial), I just thought Tommy defended stronger so that's the reason why he's in the team," Payten said.

Drinkwater led the NRL in missed tackles last season with 92 in 24 games and was named among the reserves for the home opener.

The acquisition of premiership-winning No.7 Townsend should help the Cowboys' game management and execution on fifth-tackle plays, which proved problematic in 2021.

Another veteran making his NRL debut for the club this weekend is Peta Hiku, who's been named in the centres along with Valentine Holmes.

Hiku said Drinkwater was blighted in the pre-season with minor injuries and that could have contributed to his round one omission.

"He obviously works very hard on his game but Drinky's been a bit unlucky with how pre-season went," Hiku said.

"He's copped a couple of injuries and that's sort of given someone else an opportunity.

"Both of them are just very good and... Todd's got that headache and he's made a decision there."

Jamayne Taunoa-Brown will make his debut for the Cowboys with the former Warriors prop named in the front-row alongside Coen Hess.

The