North Queensland’s 2025 NRL campaign ended in disappointment, leaving fans frustrated and officials determined to reset ahead of next year. Despite flashes of promise throughout the season, the Cowboys’ familiar flaws resurfaced, particularly in defence, where their inability to consistently shut down opposition attacks proved costly.

Head coach Todd Payten once again found himself under scrutiny as the team fell short of expectations. While pressure mounted on the coach, the club hierarchy has signalled its backing of Payten, entrusting him with the task of lifting the Townsville-based side back into contention for finals football in 2026. The challenge now is to build a roster capable of competing with the NRL’s best.

Defensive Struggles and a Stagnant Season

North Queensland entered 2025 with high hopes of pushing into the top eight, but the campaign never truly clicked. The Cowboys were guilty of lapses in concentration, conceding soft tries that made it impossible to consistently trouble heavyweight clubs like the Panthers, Broncos, and Storm.

The team’s attacking spark was evident in patches, yet without a stronger defensive backbone, their efforts often came undone. This balance – or lack thereof – has plagued the side for several seasons, and it will be a central focus for Payten and his staff as they prepare for 2026.

The Departures: Cowboys Say Goodbye to Key Talent

The offseason has already seen a major shake-up, with several high-profile players moving on. The most significant of these is hooker Reece Robson, a New South Wales representative and one of the club’s most reliable performers. Robson has opted to leave Townsville, signing with the Sydney Roosters in a move that will leave a gaping hole in the Cowboys’ spine.

Another notable departure is Tom Duffy, who has joined Queensland rivals Brisbane Broncos. Duffy’s move adds extra sting for Cowboys fans, with the playmaker set to bolster one of their fiercest competitors.

Veteran prop Jordan McLean, a cornerstone of the forward pack for many years, has announced his retirement after nearly two decades in the NRL. His experience and leadership will be sorely missed, leaving a void in both the dressing room and the middle of the field.

Other players leaving include Semi Valemei, who has signed with English club Castleford Tigers, while Emarly Bitungane, Nic Lenaz, and Jamal Shibasaki will all move on to new chapters, though their next steps remain unclear.

Full List of Cowboys Departures (2025)

• Emarly Bitungane – TBC

• Tom Duffy – Brisbane Broncos

• Nic Lenaz – TBC

• Jordan McLean – Retired

• Reece Robson – Sydney Roosters

• Jamal Shibasaki – TBC

• Semi Valemei – Castleford Tigers

This turnover underscores the transitional phase the Cowboys are entering as they look to reshape their roster for a more competitive tilt at the finals.

New Faces: Cowboys’ 2026 Signings

To offset the exits, North Queensland have moved quickly to secure reinforcements. Three new players are already confirmed for the 2026 campaign, with the focus clearly on shoring up key areas of the squad.

• Ethan King (Sydney Roosters)

• Reed Mahoney (Canterbury Bulldogs)

• Tyson Walker (Sydney Roosters)

The addition of Reed Mahoney, in particular, looms large. With Robson’s departure creating a void at hooker, Mahoney’s arrival ensures the Cowboys will still boast an experienced and dynamic dummy-half option. The signings of King and Walker bring fresh backline depth and competition for spots.

Re-Signings: Cowboys Keep Core Intact

While departures often dominate headlines, retention has also been a major theme for the Cowboys this offseason. Playmaker Jake Clifford earned a new deal, with the club signalling its commitment to pairing him alongside Tom Dearden in the halves moving forward. The Clifford-Dearden combination will be critical as the Cowboys aim to re-establish consistency and creativity in attack.

The club also locked in several backline talents to contract extensions, demonstrating a desire to build stability. Tom Chester, Braidon Burns, Robert Derby, Zac Laybutt, and Viliami Vailea have all re-signed, giving Payten a reliable group of outside backs to work with as the side pushes into 2026.

What Lies Ahead for North Queensland

The Cowboys are clearly in a phase of regeneration. Losing senior figures like McLean and Robson represents a seismic shift, but the recruitment of Mahoney and the commitment to younger talents provides a foundation to build upon. Whether these changes are enough to return the club to finals contention remains the big question.

For Payten, 2026 looms as a defining year. With the board’s backing comes expectation, and fans will demand visible improvement from a team that has been inconsistent in recent years. A greater emphasis on defensive discipline, combined with the development of their new and re-signed players, will determine whether the Cowboys can finally deliver on their potential.

The Cowboys’ faithful in Townsville remain some of the most passionate in the NRL. Their patience has been tested in recent campaigns, but with a refreshed squad, the hope is that brighter days lie ahead.