The North Queensland Cowboys are constantly under pressure, and even a finals qualification in 2026 isn't about to change that.

Todd Payten has never been - to the outside world at least - comfortable in his chair at the Cowboys.

That comes when the team is better than the actual results they have dished up almost consistently throughout his time in charge.

Ultimately, the Cowboys enter 2027 needing a new direction, and they do get a chance for a refresh with Scott Drinkwater's departure.

The November 1 period and beyond will also be critical for North Queensland, with a host of players off-contract at the end of 2027 and the real potential for a bit of a continuing squad refresh.

Here is the state of play for the Cowboys ahead of November 1.

Current 2028 squad

Braidon Burns, Joe Chan, Tom Chester, Jake Clifford, Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Robert Derby, Sione Katoa, Heilum Luki, Reed Mahoney, Thomas Mikaele, Griffin Neame, Jaxon Purdue, Jesse Ramien, James Walsh

Off-contract at the end of 2027

Coen Hess, Kaiden Lahrs, Zac Laybutt, Soni Luke, Jeremiah Nanai, Jason Taumalolo

Current 2028 best 19

1. Jaxon Purdue
2. Braidon Burns
3. Tom Chester
4. Jesse Ramien
5. Sione Katoa
6. Jake Clifford
7. Tom Dearden
8. Reuben Cotter
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Griffin Neame
11. Joe Chan
12. Heilum Luki
13. Thomas Mikaele

Interchange
14. Robert Derby
15. James Walsh
16. No player signed.
17. No player signed.
18. No player signed.
19. No player signed.

The Cowboys, as it stands, have 15 players locked up for 2028, although that number could climb with spots still left to fill for 2027, let alone the following season.

Jeremiah Nanai is the biggest ticket still off-contract, but all indications are that he will head to November 1, and could well leave Townsville.

Beyond that, the club also have decisions to make on experienced campaigners Jason Taumalolo and Coen Hess in the forwards, while the rumour that Tom Dearden wants to move to Sydney is seemingly never far away.

Elsewhere, the jury is out at fullback and in the halves, and it's clear depth is needed right across the squad.

Here are five options the Cowboys should be targeting on the open market from November 1.

Option 2: J'maine Hopgood (Parramatta Eels)

The Cowboys also need more depth through the middle, and whether he plays at prop or lock, J'maine Hopgood is the sort of player they need.

What the Cowboys have, more than a lot of clubs at the pointy end of proceedings, is an issue in their defence.

J'maine Hopgood won't win you style points, but he has quickly developed a reputation as a hard-hitting, consistent forward who will get the job done.

Injury of course ruined his 2026 season and a chance at an Origin debut, and while the Eels need to retain him, the fact they haven't just days out from November 1 should be of enormous concern to Jason Ryles and his staff.

The Cowboys should be one club more than a little bit interested.