North Queensland were equal parts infuriating and brilliant throughout the 2024 campaign as they endured a rollercoaster campaign.
The Cowboys were electric in attack but were found guilty of poor defence on far too many occasions to pose as legitimate premiership threats with their season ultimately coming to an end in week two of the finals against Cronulla.
Todd Payten has the attack to threaten the best defences in the league but must install better defensive attitudes and resilience in his side if they are to take the next step in 2025.
2025 PREDICTED TEAM LISTS : Broncos | Raiders | Bulldogs | Dolphins | Sharks | Titans | Sea Eagles | Storm | Knights | Eels | Panthers | Rabbitohs | Dragons | Roosters | Warriors | Tigers
North Queensland Cowboys 2025 season preview
Scott Drinkwater posted career-best numbers last season as he proved to be the catalyst in attack for the Cowboys.
The fullback notched 26 try assists during the year, which landed him in second spot in the standings behind Ben Hunt.
An array of attacking options including Tom Dearden, Murray Taulagi and Jeremiah Nanai will work alongside him once again.
However, the Cowboys have lost three key members of their attack in Chad Townsend, Valentine Holmes and Kyle Feldt which will give a new look and feel to the side.
Townsend was already phased out towards the end of the season with Jake Clifford placed into the halves ahead of him.
The playmaker will now have a full off-season to prove he is the right man to partner Dearden for the foreseeable future.
North Queensland predicted team list for Round 1
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Semi Valemei
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Jake Clifford
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. Heilum Luki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Karl Lawton
15. Sam McIntyre
16. Coen Hess
17. Griffin Neame
Cowboys latest team news ahead of Round 1
With Valentine Holmes and Kyle Feldt moving elsewhere, the Cowboys will have a new-look backline.
Zac Laybutt is set to return from an ACL injury that abruptly cut short his 2024 campaign and will replace Holmes in the centres, while Semi Valemei and Robert Derby will be competing for a spot on the wing. New recruit Jaxson Paulo will also be fighting to crack the back line.
Jake Clifford will get the No.7 jersey after usurping Chad Townsend towards the end of last season.
Coen Hess will be back on deck after missing the entirety of the previous campaign due to an ACL injury. The forward will be competing with Jordan McLean for a spot up front.
Jason Taumalolo could start at prop, while Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai and Reuben Cotter will form an imposing backrow.
Karl Lawton has joined from Manly and will serve as the bench utility with Jake Granville hanging up the boots.
Sam McIntyre, Harrison Edwards and Griffin Neame are likely to be fighting for spots on the bench.
