2024 review: North Queensland Cowboys

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Andy P looks at how the Cowboys bounced back in 2024 after a tough 2023.

A year of progress, but still need to tighten the saddle.

The North Queensland Cowboys took strides forward in 2024, rebounding from a challenging 2023 season where they finished 11th place. Despite clear improvements, inconsistency plagued their performances, with impressive patches often undone by errors that let opponents back into games.

This trend was evident in their elimination final against Cronulla. The halftime score summed up the Cowboys season - down 24-0 to the Sharks, they had given themselves another mountain to climb. They fought hard, but it was another case of too little too late, ultimately bowing out in a 28-18 loss.

In attack, the Cowboys were one of the league's best, ranking as the sixth highest-scoring team with an average of 26 points per game. They were second in meters gained and third in total points scored, with 657 points—only Melbourne and the Roosters scored more.

Defence was where the Cowboys struggled, conceding 568 points, the most of any top-eight team.

Turning point

A promising 5-1 start hinted at a potential title run, but a subsequent five-game losing streak derailed momentum and exposed some of the team's defensive inconsistencies. Though they made the finals, their defensive lapses re-emerged late in the season.

The most positive turning point for the Townsville club was the Round 13 victory against the Roosters. Down 14-4 at halftime and missing key players on Origin duty, the Cowboys dug deep and pulled off one of the season's biggest upsets, winning 18-16. A later win against Penrith in Round 17 provided another highlight, showcasing their capabilities as a team and finals contention.

What Worked

The Cowboys made an innovative leadership move by appointing Tom Dearden and Reuben Cotter as co-captains. Known for their high work rate and effort, both players led by example for the Cowboys throughout the season.

2024 week-by-week

Defining Players

Scott Drinkwater set career highs with 25 try assists, 15 linebreaks, and an impressive 161 average running meters per game. His performance against the Roosters and a clutch two-point field goal to force a golden point in Round 18 against Manly underscored his importance to the squad.

Tom Dearden gave another stellar performance for the Cowboys season. The ball of energy showed he has a never-say-die attitude, notably with his Dally M "Tackle of the Year" in Round 4, catching a steaming Selwyn Cobbo from an intercept run just before the try line.

Even though Val Holmes was said to have had a quiet year, he scored the second most points for the club, not to mention his kicking, which sat at 85%, and is some big boots to fill as he moves to Kogarah and Wollongong in 2025.

Reece Robson's solid form for the Cowboys earned him a place in the Blues' winning Origin side, suggesting more to come from him as he would like to keep his grip on the NSW number 9 jersey with good form for the Cowboys next year.

Rookies and New Talent

The Cowboys have a good crop of young talent rising through the ranks, promising depth for the future.

Players like Jaxon Purdue, Robert Derby, Thomas Duffy, and Tom Chester put their hands up when required, and will push for spots in the top 17 as the 2025 season approaches.

2024 player record

Season snapshot

Coach: Todd Payten
Captains: Tom Dearden (25), Chad Townsend (2)

Biggest home crowd: 24,861 (vs. Newcastle in Elimination Final)
Average home crowd: 19,710

Top pointscorer: Valentine Holmes (270)
Top tryscorer: Kyle Feldt (23)

Club awards

Paul Bowman Medal - Tom Dearden
NRLW Cowboy of the Year - Bree Chester
NRLW PLAYERS' PLAYER: Jakiya Whitfeld
NRL PLAYERS' PLAYER: Tom Dearden
NRL Cowboys Way Award: Jake Granville
NRLW Cowboys Way Award: Alisha Foord
Life Membership: Jake Granville, Kyle Feldt
NRLW Townsville Bulletin Fans Choice Player of the Year: Jakiya Whitfield
NRL Townsville Bulletin Fans Choice Player of the Year: Tom Dearden
JCU Education Award: Larissa Di Bella
NRLW Rookie of the Year: Lily Peacock
NRL Rookie of the Year: Jaxon Purdue
Affiliate Player of the Year: Tom Duffy
Young Guns Cowboys Way Award: Henry Teutau
Club Person of the Year: Coen Hess

Looking Ahead

Looking to 2025, coach Todd Payten faces questions about how to use his experienced yet ageing props, Jason Taumalolo and Jordan McLean. Taumalolo, a six-time Paul Bowman Medal winner, remains crucial but may require adjusted minutes to accommodate a winning game plan. New signings, like Karl Lawton offer utility value with ball skills at lock, which could allow Reuben Cotter to shift into the front row, adding versatility to the pack.

Several players are departing the Cowboys, with Chad Townsend heading to the Roosters, club legend Kyle Feldt moving to the Super League, Holmes joining the Dragons, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki moving to the Dolphins, and Jack Gosiewski signing with the Brisbane Broncos. Meanwhile, veteran Jake Granville announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for the Cowboys. At this time of writing, Jordan McLean was still off-contract as well.

Consistency remains the focus as they aim to fill the gaps in their defence and marry it with the attacking prowess that made them a formidable side in 2024. But that attacking prowess was off the back of Holmes and Feldt, who scored nearly half the team's points between themselves, so there will be some big boots to fill for 2025.

Best 17 for 2025

based on current signings at the time of writing

1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Semi Valemei
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Braidon Burns
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Jake Clifford
8. Coen Hess
9. Reece Robson
10. Griffin Neame
11. Heilum Luki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter

14. Karl Lawton
15. Jason Taumalolo
16. Sam McIntyre
17. Harrison Edwards