Cowboys wrecking ball that ‘gives Dearden nightmares’, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, on cusp of NRL debut
The 19-year-old that has been terrorising Tom Dearden at training will have the opportunity to do the same to Joey Manu and Luke Keary this Sunday. Read what his teammates had to say.
The 19-year-old who has been “giving Tom Dearden nightmares” at training for the last 18 months is on the cusp of his potential NRL debut for the Cowboys, and his teammates have backed him to shine on the big stage.
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki made his Cowboys debut in the club’s first trial match against the Dolphins in Cairns, but could officially become an NRL player on Sunday after being named on the interchange to play the Sydney Roosters during Magic Round.
Finefeuiaki has played 80 minutes in all six of the Townsville Blackhawks’ Queensland Cup fixtures in 2023, averaging 12 runs and 23 tackles per game at 90 per cent efficiency.
The colossal talent was a star at Ipswich State High and this week he replaced Tom Chester on the bench after the livewire Townsville product suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
The Cowboys had to secure an exemption from the NRL to allow Finefeuiaki to play – he sits outside the club’s top 30 – due to the current availability crisis plaguing North Queensland.
New Zealand international and Cowboys centre Peta Hiku threw his support behind the Auckland-born debutant.
“I think it would be a good chance for him,” Hiku said.
“The way he’s applied himself at training, he’s been running hard, training hard and doing all the little things that you want your teammates to do and I think that’s what’s given him the opportunity to be a part of our squad.
“He’ll just go out there and play his part, he enjoys the game and understands the little things, he’s been building very well and I’m happy for him.”
With Heilum Luki starting on the right edge in his return from a hamstring injury, Todd Payten’s plan would most likely be to give him an early mark and hand Finefeuiaki his debut in the later stages of the match.
The Cowboys coach said the young backrower would relish his chance to play under the lights of Lang Park.
“He enjoys the physical contact and the combat side of our game, it’s a great opportunity for him against a physical Roosters team this weekend,” Payten said.
“He’s played some games in the Q Cup this year and he got a taste of Q Cup playing against men last year and the boys are excited for him to get a run, I’m excited to see how he goes.”
Veteran Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt said Finefeuiaki’s hard work at training had forced the hand of selectors after Jeremiah Nanai’s suspension.
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“He’s only a young kid and he’s a ball of energy which is great to see,” Feldt said.
“He’s a good kid who runs hard at training, runs hard in the game, tackles hard and gives young Tom Dearden nightmares at training – hopefully he’s going to do himself and his family proud.”
The Cowboys take on the Roosters on Sunday as part of Magic Round in Brisbane, kick-off at 4pm.
Originally published as Cowboys wrecking ball that ‘gives Dearden nightmares’, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, on cusp of NRL debut
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