What's the simple fix for the Cowboys to become a Premiership contender?

SEN’s Corey Parker has called on Todd Payten's North Queensland Cowboys to prioritise their defence in 2025.

After a poor first season under Payten in 2021, the Cowboys managed to put it all together in 2022 with a top four finish and were one win away from a Grand Final berth.

The Cowboys then had the ninth worst defence in 2024 and conceded more points than any finalist last season.

If the Cowboys want to be considered a legitimate Premiership contender in 2025, Parker believes the team must address their defensive struggles.

“When they played in a preliminary final a few years ago, it was built purely on defence,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.

“It was built on resilience, trust and ability to turn up for one another.

“We only saw it in glimpses last year but not for a consistent enough period.

“What do they need to get better at and what do they need to do this season? They need to play a consistent brand of football.

“At the moment, if you’re playing a game against the Cowboys, you’re hoping that you get the bad Cowboys.

“When the Cowboys are red hot, they are scintillating. They have stars across the park. There is a brigade of young players coming through.”

The Cowboys lost a host of talent during the off-season including Valentine Holmes to the Dragons, Kyle Feldt to retirement and veteran halfback Chad Townsend who signed with the Roosters.

Parker has put the focus squarely on halfback Jake Clifford and feels the 27-year-old needs to have a big year if the Cowboys are to have a strong year.

“There needs to be a strong season from the number seven,” Parker added.

“He’s been around now and is a bit of a journeyman. He saw him at the back end of last year and he needs to lift.

“A pass mark has to be a deep run into the semi-finals and Jake Clifford has to put at the forefront.”

The Cowboys travel to Manly to take on the Sea Eagles in Round 1.