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.
3. Jake Clifford
Why his improvement is important
Jake Clifford returned to the Cowboys in 2025 and, despite playing only 14 matches, showed signs that his game is trending in the right direction. With Tom Dearden established as the dominant half, Clifford's role is to provide balance, control and secondary direction. North Queensland need a genuine long-term partner for Dearden, and Clifford remains the best internal option to fill that role.
What needs to improve
Clifford showed improvement in several key areas in 2025. His running metres increased, his try assists improved, and his tackle efficiency lifted, indicating greater physical confidence and defensive commitment.
However, he still does not use his running game often enough to consistently engage defenders. His kicking game remains a strength, but execution fluctuates when confidence dips, particularly in high-pressure moments.
Why his improvement matters in 2026
If Clifford continues to improve his running threat, maintains his defensive standards, and sharpens his kicking consistency, he can cement himself as Dearden's long-term partner. Stability in the halves would allow the Cowboys' spine to grow together rather than reset again. Without that progression, North Queensland risk repeating the same cycle of reshuffling instead of building cohesion.
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.