As a part of a sequence profiling the anticipated Spherical 1 sides for all 17 NRL golf equipment in 2026, the strain is on coach Todd Payten to get the Cowboys dwelling as much as their potential.
It’s fairly easy for Todd Payten – he must get the Cowboys capturing up the ladder or he will likely be no probability of getting a contract extension.
Heading into the ultimate yr of his deal, Payten’s Cowboys have missed the finals previously two seasons regardless of having a number of consultant stars on their roster.
Payten wants to seek out the suitable combos along with his workforce alternatives and repair their leaky defence to have any hope of remaining on the helm.
Right here’s how their workforce is shaping up for Spherical 1.
Who’s new?
The addition of Reed Mahoney after he was informed he was free to barter elsewhere by the Bulldogs is the one signing of observe for the Cowboys heading into their 2026 season.
However the truth that he’s changing an Origin commonplace hooker in Reece Robson implies that, on paper, it’s a web loss for North Queensland.
Younger fullback Ethan King has made the lengthy trek north from the Roosters after being caught behind James Tedesco whereas ex-Panther Soni Luke offers Payten an additional dummy-half possibility, seemingly as a back-up to Mahoney.
Veteran journeyman Matt Lodge has lobbed at his sixth NRL membership however the 30-year-old is not an impactful prop whereas ex-Dolphins second-rower James Walsh offers them a possible bench ahead candidate.
Reed Mahoney. (Picture by Daniel Pockett/Getty Photos)
Who’s gone?
Robson’s determination to defect to the Roosters was a bitter blow after the Cowboys turned him into an Origin participant.
Former Kangaroos prop Jordan McLean has retired, utility ahead Karl Lawton is now with Hull KR and outdoors again Semi Valemei has additionally headed to the Tremendous League, lining up with Castleford.
Tom Duffy has ditched the Cowboys for the Broncos after getting restricted alternatives at halfback final season whereas Emarly Bitungane is spending a season at Catalans earlier than changing into a basis member of the Perth Bears roster.
Key spots to unlock?
Tom Dearden made the transition to halfback for Queensland after recreation one final yr and Payten adopted go well with at membership stage with the co-captain carrying the No.7 jersey for the second half of the season.
Jake Clifford completed the yr as his halves accomplice however the Cowboys have excessive hopes for rising star Jaxon Purdue changing into a distinction maker at five-eighth and he’s a robust probability to start out the season alongside Dearden.
Payten additionally has query marks out extensive with Viliami Vailea, Zac Laybutt, Tom Chester, Braidon Burns and Robert Derby within the combine for the wing and centre berths with automated choice Murray Taulagi.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten. (Picture by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Photos)
With Coen Hess suspended and Griffin Neame and Jeremiah Nanai sidelined with harm to start out the season, the Cowboys aren’t any positive issues to knock over picket spooners Newcastle in Las Vegas on March 1.
If Lodge is required for the season opener, he should get an exemption as a consequence of his well-documented assault fees from a decade in the past in New York Metropolis.
Spherical 1 predicted workforce
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
Different squad members: Coen Hess (suspended), Griffin Neame, Jeremiah Nanai (injured), James Walsh, Jaxson Paulo, Kaiden Lahrs, Mason Kira, Matt Lodge, Zac Herdegen
