No one doubts Kalyn Ponga's attacking prowess.
But North Queensland's Michael Morgan says the teenager will need a little help from his friends in defence in Saturday night's NRL home clash with Manly.
Especially against his opposite number, Sea Eagles custodian Tom Trbojevic.
All eyes will be on Ponga - still just 18 - when he is unleashed at fullback, filling in for injured No.1 Lachlan Coote.
The big-stepping Ponga was an attacking threat from the outset as an injury replacement on the wing during the Cowboys' 2016 finals run, almost scoring with his first touch.
Now the stage is set for Ponga to show his complete arsenal in his preferred position of fullback, with Coote (calf) out for at least a fortnight.
However, a big question mark looms over Ponga's untested defence at the back - even more so with Trbojevic lurking.
The Sea Eagles custodian amassed a remarkable 305m, scored a try and set up another in their 38-18 last round loss to South Sydney.
"He had a really good game. Hopefully we can be a lot better defensively on the edges," Morgan said of Trbojevic.
As a result, Morgan admitted Ponga faced a steep learning curve in defence but believed he had the necessary support around him.
"It is a big job defensively but we have enough experience on our edges to help him out," Morgan said.
"It's not one person's job to come in and make a difference.
"It's about us helping each other. That's one way we can help Kalyn."
Ponga also didn't have to be reminded he would be tested under the high ball against Manly.
Morgan said they had done their best at training to simulate the air raid expected on Saturday night.
"We will do a few more (high balls) on Friday but he's usually pretty safe," Morgan said.
"He's played a lot of fullback before. It is nothing new to him.
"Yes he's in a different team to the Under 20s but he did a whole pre-season training at fullback with us.
"I have full confidence in him."
So does Cowboys coach Paul Green.
Ponga's selection ended talk the youngster had been out of favour with Green after signing a lucrative four year deal with Newcastle from 2018 in the off season.
"It was spoken about in the pre-season whether or not he should have been in the team and now the time is right," Green said.
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