Home Ground: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Coach: Todd Payten

TAB odds: Premiers: $23



North Queensland's 2024 campaign was characterised by both exceptional performance and frustrating inconsistencies. The Cowboys displayed electrifying offensive capabilities, however, their defensive performance was consistently subpar, precluding them from being considered serious premiership contenders. Their season concluded in the second week of the finals against Cronulla.

There will be some gaps to fill in the outside backs for TODD PAYTEN after the exits of both VALENTINE HOLMES and KYLE FELDT in the off-season. The club have signed KAI O'DONNELL from Super League and will also welcome back COEN HESS from a long-term injury layoff. Todd Payten's team possesses a potent offensive capability, posing a significant threat to even the league's top defenses. However, to advance in 2025, a substantial improvement in defensive strategies and fortitude is imperative. Basically, they need to harden the fuck up and make every tackle count.

SCOTT DRINKWATER posted career-best numbers last season as he proved to be the catalyst in attack for the Cowboys. The fullback notched 26 try assists during the year, which landed him in second spot in the standings behind Ben Hunt. An array of attacking options including TOM DEARDEN, MURRAY TAULAGI and JEREMIAH NANAI will work alongside him once again. However, the Cowboys have lost three key members of their attack in Chad Townsend, Valentine Holmes and Kyle Feldt which will give a new look and feel to the side. ZAC LAYBUTT is set to return from an ACL injury that abruptly cut short his 2024 campaign and will replace Holmes in the centres, while SEMI VALEMEI and ROBERT DERBY will be competing for a spot on the wing. The word is VALIAMI VAILEA will score first shot at the right centre spot. The 20-year-old appeared in 17 games for the Warriors over the course of three seasons following his debut as an 18-year-old in 2021. New recruit JAXSON PAULO will also be fighting to crack the backline, while TOM CHESTER  has been ruled out for the year after suffering an ACL injury in pre-season. 

NORTH QUEENLAND'S 2024 rookie of the year JAXON PURDUE is in a three-way battle to pair Kangaroos star TOM DEARDEN in the Cowboys halves this season, and he does look the frontrunner with JAKE CLIFFORD having minor surgery for a hernia last week. PURDUE hasn’t put a foot wrong since being granted his opportunity to debut in Cowboys colours last year, playing both in the centres and at fullback. JAXON PURDUE could be the one given a shot early in the new season. Touted as a genuine young talent he may be moved into the halves as cover and a chance to prove his playmaking skills.

JOHN BATEMAN comes to club and the Englishman will be a handy acquisition should he gain adequate game time. It could be a challenging year for the Cowboys and they will need to stand tall to be in the fight this season. They do look good enough for a top 8 berth, but will need to play rock solid footy from the get go and not just in Townsville.

First five: Sea Eagles (A), Sharks (H), Broncos (A), Raiders (H), Panthers (A)

Last year's finish: 5th

Predicted 2025 finish: 12th

PREDICTED STARTING SIDE

1. SCOTT DRINKWATER

2. MURRAY TAULAGI

3. JAXON PURDUE

4. ZAC LAYBUTT

5. SEMI VALEMEI

6. TOM DEARDEN

7. JAKE CLIFFORD

8. JORDAN MCLEAN

9. REECE ROBSON

10. JASON TAUMALOLO

11. HEILUM LUKI

12. JEREMIAH NANAI

13. REUBEN COTTER

14. KARL LAWTON

15. GRIFFIN NEAME

16. KAI O'DONNELL

17. JOHN BATEMAN

PRE SEASON: Fri 14 Feb

Cowboys v Dolphins at Barlow Park, Cairns 8:00pm

Sun 23 Feb

Storm v Cowboys at Casey Fields, Cranbourne East 2:00pm