LISTEN | North Queensland Cowboys NRL Season Review

The North Queensland Cowboys had a successful 2024 season, making the second week of finals, and once again supported by the rapid growth of captain Tom Dearden who had another career-best year.

Dearden and co-captain Rueben Cotter took over the captaincy duties of the club from Jason Taumalolo and Chad Townsend at the start of the season to great success, with both players going on to represent Australia and Queensland.

Scott Drinkwater continues to quietly impress as one of the best fullbacks in the NRL, recording a herculean 26 try assists (second in the league), 15 linebreaks and 10 tries.

Cowboys fans got a look at their 2025 spine late in the season, after Todd Payten made the difficult decision to drop veteran halfback Chad Townsend for the returning Jake Clifford; a decision the coach will be hoping pays dividends next season.

The club farewelled stalwarts Kyle Feldt and Jake Granville, as well as the league's top point scorer in Valentine Holmes, leaving plenty of experience for Payten to replace.

The Cowboys will be hoping to build on their momentum and push for a top four spot in 2025, and not repeat 2023, where they missed finals after making a preliminary final the year prior.

Finish: 5th (15W, 9L)

Signings: Karl Lawton (Sea Eagles), Kai O'Donnell (Leigh Leopards - Super League), Jaxson Paulo (Sea Eagles), John Bateman (Wests Tigers)

Losses: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins), Chad Townsend (Roosters), Kyle Feldt (St Helens), Jake Granville (TBC), Val Holmes (Dragons), D’Jazirhae Pua’avase (Sea Eagles)