Tom Dearden's halves partner for round one is still to be decided with Townsville product Thomas Duffy about to get the perfect audition for North Queensland.
The 21-year-old former Australian Schoolboys representative has been named at No.7 to partner Test five-eighth Dearden in the away trial clash with Melbourne on Sunday.
Jake Clifford finished last season alongside Dearden in the halves but had a hernia operation last month and has only returned to full training with the squad this week.
Duffy, the Queensland Cup halfback of the year while playing for Northern Pride last season, has a chance to press his claims against a strong Storm outfit.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten has a high opinion of the Townsville-born young gun.
"What I like about what Duff has provided is that he has gone after it. He deserves to be there (based) on his performances at training," Payten said.
"He played really well last year for Pride and is confident in his ability and calm under pressure. He has been directing the team around perfectly so I am excited for the kid. This is his first opportunity at NRL level against a really good team."
Veteran playmaker Chad Townsend signed with Sydney Roosters for the 2025 season which has left an opportunity for the next crop of Cowboys halves to emerge.
The Cowboys also lost Queensland centre Valentine Holmes and 2015 premiership hero Kyle Feldt (wing).
Centre Zac Laybutt, who missed the majority of last year with a torn ACL, is not ready for the trial so Jaxon Purdue gets the chance to make a statement against the Storm. A halfback in his juniors, Purdue shone when given NRL opportunities in the outside backs last year.
"He does things confidently and looks at ease in different positions as an out-and-out footballer," Payten said.
"He is a problem solver and we have a high opinion of him here. We expect him to grow a leg over the next month or two."
Feldt's right wing position is up for grabs and Braidon Burns has the edge over Rob Derby and Jaxson Paulo. Burns gets his shot on Sunday.
"It has been neck and neck for a lot of the time and in the last two or three weeks Braidon has got his nose in front," Payten said.
"He is safe under the (high) ball and he is smart on the end of the line defensively.
Laybutt, Clifford and star forward Jason Taumalolo (foot) were unavailable for the Storm clash after just getting themselves right physically.
"They have started training full time with the team as of (Monday). We just haven't got enough into their legs, lungs and shoulders to be right to play this week," Payten said.
"Fingers crossed things go to plan and they are available for round one."
The Cowboys open their NRL season away to Manly on March 8.
