2025 Mid-season review: North Queensland Cowboys

The North Queensland Cowboys finished fifth in 2024 to continue their recent good form under coach Todd Payten.

However, their 15-9 record papered over their blatant defensive issues. Once a staple under Payten, the Cowboys were the worst defensive side of any top eight team last season by some distance.

Fast forward to 2025 and the Cowboys lay claim to the second worst defence in the competition behind the last-placed Gold Coast Titans. Whilst there have certainly been some bright spots this year, the Cowboys have been exposed over a poor forward pack and a lack of depth behind their State of Origin stars.

Ladder: 12th
Record: 6W, 8L, 1D, 2 Byes

Positive: Backs against the wall win against eventual ladder leaders

When the Cowboys were still chasing their first win of the year when they hosted the Canberra Raiders in Round 4. North Queensland had lost by a combined 104-40 with the team and Payten under serious pressure. After conceding the opening try inside 10 minutes, it appeared the match would follow a similar script to the previous three weeks.

However, the Cowboys rallied to lead 16-8 at half time. They were challenged late following Coen Hess’ sin bin in the 56th minute but a 75th minute try to Tom Dearden snuffed out any hope for a Raiders comeback. With the Raiders now leading the competition after 17 rounds, the Cowboys’ win in Round 4 looks even more impressive.

Negative: Cowboys drown over Dolphins dominance

North Queensland had been patchy at best in the lead up to their Round 15 clash against the Dolphins. The Cowboys had lost two, drawn against the Panthers and limped over the line against the Tigers. Without their Origin stars, the Cowboys were underdogs but nobody could predict a 58-4 rout at home in which the Dolphins ran in 10 tries to one.

The 54-point thrashing is the Cowboys’ worst loss in 24 years and their worst loss at home in Townsville, including their former ground at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

Best Player: Scott Drinkwater

In what has been a tough season, Scott Drinkwater has once again elevated himself above his peers. The 28-year-old is third in the competition for try assists (14) and third for line break assists (13). Additionally, Drinkwater has been tasked with responsibility of goal kicking following the departure of Valentine Holmes to the Dragons and has acted as captain with Tom Dearden and Reuben Cotter on State of Origin duty.

Biggest Moment: Jeremiah Nanai dropped to Queensland Cup

The cracks began to emerge early in the season for the Cowboys when Payten made the decision to dump Queensland and Australia representative Jeremiah Nanai to reserve grade after Round 1. Payten was blunt in his reasoning to the media in which he praised the 22-year-old’s attacking prowess but highlighted his significant defensive weaknesses.

Nanai was recalled the following week but Payten’s decision to drop one of his best players put the rest of his team on notice. It hasn’t helped as the Cowboys continue to leak points but it's clear that no player is safe from being sent to the Queensland Cup.

Grade: D