2024 End of Season Reviews: North Queensland Cowboys

As the 2024 NRL season nears its conclusion, it’s time to look back on the teams that fell short of September and what they got right and wrong in their respective seasons.

In this edition, SEN will take a look at the Cowboys' rollercoaster season which ended in week two following a disappointing loss to the Cronulla Sharks.

North Queensland Cowboys

Ladder: 5th
Record: 15-9 (89)

Won Elimination Final 28-16 v Newcastle
Lost Semi-Final 26-18 v Cronulla

After a disappointing 2023 campaign, the Cowboys bounced back to play finals in 2024 but were one of the more infuriating teams to follow throughout the year. The wildy inconsistent Cowboys were third for points scored (657) but conceded more points than any top eight team (568). Todd Payten’s men struggled to string consistent performances together as the Cowboys fell to the Eels, Titans, Warriors and Broncos during the year.

Their week two finals loss to the Sharks was emblematic of their whole season because despite showing glimpses of their best in the second half, they didn’t produce it enough and proved to be Premiership pretenders.

Highlight: Improbable Round 13 win v Roosters

The Cowboys arrived at Allianz Stadium on Sunday afternoon in early June missing a host of Origin stars and were $6.40 outsiders to cause the upset. THe first half went according to script as the Roosters took a 14-4 half time lead. However, the Cowboys refused to go away and kept the contest as a one-score game for the majority of the second half before Kulikefu Finefeuiaki tied the scores with 12 minutes remaining. Scott Drinkwater then slotted a penalty goal five minutes later to give the visitors the lead and they held on to record one of the biggest upsets of the season.

Honourable Mentions: Round 17 win v Penrith

Lowlight: Round 23 loss v Broncos

The Cowboys welcomed a Broncos outfit who were essentially on their knees. The Cowboys were heavy favourites to inflict more suffering on Brisbane and at 18-6 on the shadows of half time, it looked almost certain. A late try to Deine Mariner gave the Broncos a pulse at the main break which proceeded to open the flood gates as the Cowboys allowed 36 unanswered points to suffer a humiliating defeat in front of their home fans.

Honourable Mentions: Round 14 loss v Cowboys, five game losing streak between Round 6-10

Best Player: Scott Drinkwater

Scott Drinkwater should be considered a top five fullback in the game given the numbers he put up in 2024 and the herculean efforts he produced this season. Drinkwater was second for try assists in 2024. His 25 try assists, 15 linebreaks and 161 average running metres were all career high numbers. The 27-year-old led the way in the Cowboys’ win over the Roosters and forced golden point in their match Round 18 match against Manly with a two-point field goal at the death.

Honourable Mentions: Tom Dearden, Helium Luki, Reuben Cotter

What they need for 2025: Fix their defence

The Cowboys conceded far too many points for a top eight side and it’s ultimately what cost them in the finals. They may boast the most exciting attack of any team in the competition with the likes of Jeremiah Nanai, Helium Luki, Scott Drinkwater, Murray Taulagi and co. but if the Panthers have proved anything over the last three years, defence wins Premierships. Todd Payten alluded to it in his final post match press conference of the season after the loss to Cronulla.

Early 2025 prediction: 11th

Grade: B-

The Cowboys made week two of the finals which is a great achievement. There were plenty of highlights along the way but the gap between their best and worst football is far too great and must be addressed if this team is to once again taste Premiership glory.