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.
2. Jaxon Purdue
Why his improvement is important
Jaxon Purdue spent most of the 2025 season in the left centre position and emerged as one of the Cowboys' most exciting young outside backs. He scored 14 tries, registered around nine try assists, and consistently threatened defences with his speed, footwork and support play. Highly regarded by the coaching staff,
Purdue came through the junior system as a half and has already shown the versatility to step into five eighth when required.
His development is central to the Cowboys' future. North Queensland need genuine strike on the edges, and Purdue's attacking instincts provide that.
What needs to improve
Defensively, Purdue is still developing. His tackle efficiency sat around 88 percent, and opposition teams frequently targeted the Cowboys' left edge throughout the season. While system-wide defensive issues played a role, Purdue needs to continue improving his defensive reads, confidence in holding his line, and physical resilience. Adding strength and size will help him handle the week-to-week grind.
Why his improvement matters in 2026
If Purdue tightens his defence while continuing to grow in attack, he can become a long-term cornerstone of the Cowboys' backline. His ability to also cover the halves gives North Queensland flexibility during injuries or reshuffles. A more defensively reliable Purdue would stabilise the left edge and allow the Cowboys' attacking players to play with greater freedom.
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.