Fledgling Cowboys hooker Reece Robson says he is fine playing second fiddle to veteran rake Jake Granville as he prepares to make his club debut off the bench on Friday night.
Robson, who signed a four-year deal with North Queensland in August last year, said a blockbuster match against the Broncos at the new stadium would be the perfect debut.
"It was a goal of mine to get in this side," the former Dragons player said.
"I'm really looking forward to it. Obviously, there's a lot of excitement around with the new stadium.
"Just for myself, putting on the jersey for the first round game, I'm very excited."
While Granville and Robson are fighting for the same No. 9 jersey, the 21-year-old said he had worked well with his more experienced teammate.
"He's obviously a great player, very high calibre," Robson said of Granville.
"I've tried to learn a few things from him and implement them in my game."
Working as a unit will be the key to beating the Broncos, he said.
"Jakey will start and, hopefully, when I come on the forwards will be a bit tired and worn out.
"Maybe I can run the ball a bit more."
Cowboys v Broncos - Round 1
Coach Paul Green said his recruit was not expected to perform miracles from the bench.
"He's new to the club, has settled in really well and put his best foot forward over the pre-season training period," he said.
"He's got a number of strengths. He certainly rolls us on to the footy well but he can also give us a bit of width in attack and he’s a solid defender.
"It's a great privilege to be involved in this game and I'm not sure what he expected coming here. It's always hard when you change clubs, but it's been a good story for him."
Robson said his parents would make the trip to Queensland Country Bank Stadium for the round one derby.
"Mum and dad will come up and see Townsville and watch me put on the jumper for the first time, which will be good," he said.
Robson played just nine games in two seasons at the Dragons, starting on the bench for all but one of them.
The Cowboys earmarked the former NSW under-20 Player of the Year to eventually replace Granville, who is signed until the end of the 2021 season.
"Me and Jakey will go out there and try and do our thing and see what happens," Robson said.
