The North Queensland Cowboys enter the 2026 season under significant scrutiny. Todd Payten's tenure began with promise, built on defensive standards, physical conditioning and internal accountability.
That identity delivered early success, including a top-four finish, but the past two seasons have seen a steady erosion of consistency. Defensive resilience has declined, confidence has fluctuated, and close games have slipped away far too often.
The Cowboys have undergone meaningful change. Reece Robson has departed, Jordan McLean retired at the end of 2025, and the responsibility now falls to a core group of players to carry standards forward.
The recruitment of Reed Mahoney is a clear statement of intent, but improvement across the park is required. North Queensland possess speed, size and talent, yet unless key individuals lift their consistency and influence, the club risks remaining stuck between rebuilding and contending.
These are the five players whose improvement will define whether the Cowboys can return to finals football in 2026.
1. Reed Mahoney
Why his improvement is important
Reed Mahoney enters his ninth NRL season as the marquee signing for the Cowboys in 2026 after three seasons at the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs. Mahoney built a reputation as one of the toughest competitors in the competition, regularly taking on much larger forwards and consistently ranking among the highest tacklers in the NRL.
Beyond the statistics, Mahoney was instrumental in changing the culture at Belmore. He helped shift the Bulldogs from a side that was often disrespected and physically overwhelmed into a team that stood up for each other, brought fight every week, and refused to be bullied.
That edge and leadership is exactly what North Queensland have lacked at times.
The Cowboys need a hooker who demands standards, controls the ruck under pressure, and is willing to absorb contact to allow others to play.
What needs to improve
Mahoney's relentless style came at a cost. As his reputation shifted from tough competitor to perceived agitator, referees began to scrutinise his game more closely.
His tackle efficiency remained strong at around 92 percent, but the sheer volume of defensive work led to fatigue, penalties and moments where he overplayed his hand. His attacking output declined in 2025, finishing with only four try assists, and his running game dropped sharply to an average of 19 metres per match.
At times, his communication with playmakers was inconsistent. There were moments where he fed the wrong option, forced kicks that were not part of the plan, or attempted to take responsibility when patience was required. These moments directly affected momentum for his team.
Why his improvement matters in 2026
For the Cowboys to progress, Mahoney must balance aggression with discipline. His leadership, toughness and competitiveness can elevate the entire squad, but only if he stays within the structure and trusts those around him.
Improving decision-making under fatigue, reintroducing a selective running threat, and maintaining composure when games tighten will be crucial. If Mahoney finds that balance, he can be a transformative figure for North Queensland in 2026.
Shrewd comments.
I’m not convinced that Hess has much improvement left in him, but if he can be as good as last season then that’s one worry fewer for coach Payton.