As part of a series profiling the expected Round 1 sides for all 17 NRL clubs in 2026, the pressure is on coach Todd Payten to get the Cowboys living up to their potential.
It is quite simple for Todd Payten – he needs to get the Cowboys shooting up the ladder or he will be no chance of getting a contract extension.
Heading into the final year of his deal, Payten’s Cowboys have missed the finals in the past two seasons despite having several representative stars on their roster.
Payten needs to find the right combinations with his team selections and fix their leaky defence to have any hope of remaining at the helm.
Here’s how their team is shaping up for Round 1.
Who’s new?
The addition of Reed Mahoney after he was told he was free to negotiate elsewhere by the Bulldogs is the only signing of note for the Cowboys heading into their 2026 season.
But the fact that he is replacing an Origin standard hooker in Reece Robson means that, on paper, it’s a net loss for North Queensland.
Young fullback Ethan King has made the long trek north from the Roosters after being stuck behind James Tedesco while ex-Panther Soni Luke gives Payten an extra dummy-half option, likely as a back-up to Mahoney.
Veteran journeyman Matt Lodge has lobbed at his sixth NRL club but the 30-year-old is no longer an impactful prop while ex-Dolphins second-rower James Walsh gives them a potential bench forward candidate.
Reed Mahoney. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Who’s gone?
Robson’s decision to defect to the Roosters was a bitter blow after the Cowboys turned him into an Origin player.
Former Kangaroos prop Jordan McLean has retired, utility forward Karl Lawton is now with Hull KR and outside back Semi Valemei has also headed to the Super League, lining up with Castleford.
Tom Duffy has ditched the Cowboys for the Broncos after getting limited opportunities at halfback last season while Emarly Bitungane is spending a season at Catalans before becoming a foundation member of the Perth Bears roster.
Key spots to unlock?
Tom Dearden made the transition to halfback for Queensland after game one last year and Payten followed suit at club level with the co-captain wearing the No.7 jersey for the second half of the season.
Jake Clifford finished the year as his halves partner but the Cowboys have high hopes for rising star Jaxon Purdue becoming a difference maker at five-eighth and he is a strong chance to start the season alongside Dearden.
Payten also has question marks out wide with Viliami Vailea, Zac Laybutt, Tom Chester, Braidon Burns and Robert Derby in the mix for the wing and centre berths with automatic selection Murray Taulagi.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
With Coen Hess suspended and Griffin Neame and Jeremiah Nanai sidelined with injury to start the season, the Cowboys are no sure things to knock over wooden spooners Newcastle in Las Vegas on March 1.
If Lodge is required for the season opener, he will have to get an exemption due to his well-documented assault charges from a decade ago in New York City.
Round 1 predicted team
1 Scott Drinkwater
2 Viliami Vailea
3 Zac Laybutt
4 Tom Chester
5 Murray Taulagi
6 Jaxon Purdue
7 Tom Dearden
8 Jason Taumalolo
9 Reed Mahoney
10 Thomas Mikaele
11 Heilum Luki
12 John Bateman
13 Reuben Cotter
Interchange
14 Jake Clifford
15 Sam McIntyre
16 Kai O’Donnell
17 Harrison Edwards
18 Robert Derby
19 Braidon Burns
Other squad members: Coen Hess (suspended), Griffin Neame, Jeremiah Nanai (injured), James Walsh, Jaxson Paulo, Kaiden Lahrs, Mason Kira, Matt Lodge, Zac Herdegen
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