NRL 2023: North Queensland Cowboys season preview
After surprising footy fans by reaching the preliminary finals last season, the Cowboys have plenty to be optimistic about in 2023.
Expectations will be higher but coach Todd Payten has proven he can bring the best out of a team.
Can the Cowboys go one step further this year as the competition will be tough even at the top of the ladder?
The sports news below is a preview of the Cowboys’ upcoming season, including their best 17, the key to their success, and the predicted end for 2023.
COWBOYS TOP 30 SQUAD | COWBOYS OFF-CONTRACT LIST | COWBOYS ROUND 1 PREDICTED TEAM
BEST 17th
| POSITION | PLAYER |
|---|---|
| 1 | Scott Drinkwater |
| 2 | Murray Taulagi |
| 3 | Peta Hiku |
| 4 | Valentine Holmes |
| 5 | Kyle Feldt |
| 6 | Tom Dearden |
| 7 | Chad Townsend |
| 8th | Jordan McLean |
| 9 | Reece Robson |
| 10 | Ruben Cotter |
| 11 | Jeremiah Nanai |
| 12 | Coen Hess |
| 13 | Jason Taumalolo |
| 14 | Jake Granville |
| 15 | James Tamou |
| 16 | Griffin name |
| 17 | Mitch Dunn |
SQUAD CHANGES
WIN: Tom Chester, Tom Duffy, Jack Gosiewski, Jordan Lipp, Riley Price, Gehamat Shibasaki, James Tamou
LOSSES: Daejarn Asi, Ben Condon, Tom Gilbert, Connelly Lemuelu, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
DEPTH RATING
The Cowboys have replenished their entire top-30 roster for the upcoming season and added some talent to their roster after some notable departures.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s move to the Dolphins is a blow, but the starting line-up of full-backs is still strong. Valentine Holmes brings Origin-level experience to the center, while Murray Taulagi is a capable replacement on the wing for The Hammer.
At full-back, the quietly consistent Scott Drinkwater will retain the No. 1 shirt, with Holmes a quality substitute. However, if there is an injury it could leave the outside back very thin and dependent on untried youngsters.
Tom Dearden and Chad Townsend will again strike a balance of youth and experience at half-time, which proved a winning combination last season. Depth is a bit of an issue, however, as Ben Hampton and an unproven Jake Bourke appear to be next in line in 6th and 7th.
As for their forward pack, the Cowboys have a wealth of talent. Reuben Cotter will lead the props, Jeremiah Nanai will continue to develop as a top second rower, and Jason Taumalolo will likely continue to be a force. With the likes of Mitch Dunn and Griffin Neame joining the bench alongside new signing James Tamou, the departures of Tom Gilbert and Connelly Lemuelu shouldn’t have too much of an impact.
Finally, the hooker position is filled by Reece Robson, with capable veteran Jake Granville a strong option off the bench.
STRENGTHEN: Second row, lock
WEAKNESSES: outer back
EVALUATION: 7/10
THE KEY
Chad Townsend was a revelation for the Cowboys last season and he will be key again this year.
The experienced halfback not only brings experience and composure to the half, but his attitude sets the tone for the rest of the team.
He is the perfect representation of the team culture coach Todd Payten has fostered at the club.
The Cowboys have won a number of games over the past year simply by beating a number of top teams. As such, Townsend’s mindset and leadership will be crucial to ensure they have the motivation to play again in 2023.
BEGINNERS WATCH
After a 2022 QLD Cup breakout campaign for the Blackhawks, Riley price could have an impact on the Cowboys this season.
The 21-year-old averaged 93 yards and 26 tackles per game in his 16 reserves games last year, mostly playing lock or prop.
Importantly, he also possesses the right attitude and tenacity required to play under coach Todd Payten.
After climbing into the top-30 squad with a year left on his contract, this is the season for Price to make his mark.
MORE: NRL 2023 – Every club’s rookie to watch
DANGER TIME
Rounds 13-17: Eels [A]Storm [H]Bye, panthers [H]Rabbits [A]
The Cowboys face a challenging series of games midway through the season, beginning with a trip to 2022 big finalists, the Parramatta Eels. Brad Arthur’s side have lost a number of key players but CommBank Stadium is never an easy place to play.
They will then look to repeat last year’s impressive win over Melbourne as the storm moves north.
A bye follows before the Cowboys host the incumbent Premiers, the Panthers, followed by an away game against the Rabbitohs.
It’s also worth noting that these games will take place during the Origin period, so the Cowboys’ side and their opponents could suffer significant casualties.
PREDICTED FINISH: 3rd place
There is little to suggest the Cowboys will be sidelined this season after an impressive 2022 campaign.
This time, however, they will be the hunted rather than the hunters.
Tabuai-Fidow’s departure is significant, but it’s not like there’s a huge void left in their team.
Not only is their starting lineup strong, but they also have a bench and reserve pool capable of playing top footy.
Last year’s finals will probably serve them well again this time – both in the regular season and at the finals themselves.