Home Ground: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Coach: Todd Payten



The North Queensland Cowboys' 2025 season was a major disappointment, marked by defensive woes, inconsistency, and finishing 12th despite high expectations after a strong 2024 where they finished 5th; key issues included poor kicking games, defensive lapses (conceding high scores), and periods where star players like Jason Taumalolo struggled, leading to questions about attitude and needing tactical fixes for their 2026 NRL campaign. 

The team had the second-worst defense in the NRL, conceding big scores, particularly during the State of Origin period. Described as a "yo-yo" team, they failed to live up to expectations after a strong 2024, with a poor start to 2025. Key players like Jeremiah Nanai and Reuben Cotter had dips in form, and Jason Taumalolo dealt with injuries and declining impact.

The priority is instilling more steel and fixing attitude issues, which is crucial for becoming a top-eight contender. With very few positives, Todd Payten could be a man with a target on his back early in the season if results don't fall their way, particularly in at home in Townsville. Since his arrival at the club, Payten has been through all the ups and downs as an NRL head coach - but time may be running out for him. Payten has overseen a mixed bag of results in his five years in charge, narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon in 2021 before taking the Cowboys to a preliminary final in 2022. The side dropped back down the ladder again the following year, before going back into the finals in 2024 and missing out again in 2025.

PREDICTED SEASON FINISH - 14TH