Recalled Dibb determined to keep starting spot as Cowboys push for finals

It wasn’t the season start that Cowboys captain Kirra Dibb had pictured.

One of the club’s biggest names and last year’s Members’ Player of the Year found herself dropped after a Round 2 loss to Newcastle, a tough reminder of just how fierce the competition is in the NRLW.

For the 28-year-old playmaker, watching from the sidelines was far from easy.

“It’s always better to be on the field than off it, so I'm really happy to be back out there and getting a couple of wins with the girls,” Dibb told 94ddz.com. 

Coach Ricky Henry has made no secret of his philosophy this season: no spot is safe, and every player must be at their best. 

The arrival of new signing Rosie Kelly only strengthened the Cowboys’ playmaking depth, creating healthy competition between three quality halves in Dibb, Kelly and Tallulah Tillett.

Henry has already shuffled his halves combinations three times this year, but since Dibb’s recall in round six, the Cowboys have won back-to-back games, a sign the reshuffle is paying off.

“We’ve got really good depth across so many positions. It’s healthy for us because whoever steps in, we know they can do the job,” Dibb said.

Back in the No.6 jersey and forming a halves partnership with Tillett in the five-eighth role, Dibb looks to have rediscovered her spark as the Cowboys aim to maintain their place in the top four against Wests Tigers on Sunday.

Against the Bulldogs last Sunday night, Dibb delivered a statement performance, scoring a try, kicking a 40/30, setting up another try, and missing just one conversion in a commanding 22-6 win.

“Not too bad, always things to work on. But I’m happy with what I was able to put out there for the team,” Dibb reflected. “The key for us is to keep stepping up every game.”

Henry was equally impressed post-match.

“Some big plays there, she shows and goes, scores a try, then throws a late offload. She’s adding value where she needs to, and like the rest of the team, there’s still areas to improve,” Henry said.

The inaugural Cowboys co-captain in 2023 alongside Talisha Harden, Dibb now shares the role with hooker Emma Manzelmann, who she says has been a seamless fit.

“Emma’s such a valuable player and leader – her knowledge of North Queensland footy is incredible,” Dibb said. 

“Talisha is still really involved too. She’s a natural leader and still has that respect within the group.”

With the Cowboys currently sitting fourth and eyeing their first ever finals appearance, Dibb’s leadership and return to form couldn’t be better timed.

“The goal every season is to keep stepping up every game,” she said. “And if you do take a step back, making sure you take three more forward. Always looking to improve.”

Meanwhile, Harden will miss Sunday's trip to Leichhardt after suffering a minor quad injury.

She has been replaced in the second row by China Polata, who is set to make her long-awaited return from an ACL injury in Sunday’s showdown with the Wests Tigers.

Polata hasn’t appeared at NRLW level since tearing an ACL in Round 6 of the 2024 season. 

Queensland Origin front-rower Makenzie Weale has been named to return from a broken finger that sidelined her in Sunday’s win over the Bulldogs.