The North Queensland Cowboys enter 2026 as one of the competition's most under pressure teams.

There is simply no doubt on that front.

Todd Payten is a man who has, frankly, underachieved with his side since taking over. There have been finals appearances, but the consistency hasn't been there, and 2025 saw another downturn for the North Queensland outfit.

That shouldn't be happening to a team playing with the likes of Scott Drinkwater, Tom Dearden and Jeremiah Nanai.

What is clear is that the Cowboys need to turn things around if the playing group want to avoid a cull, and if Payten wants to continue in his job.

And there are some enormous selection questions facing the Cowboys as they head into the new year surrounding both their young talent and veterans alike.

Will Reed Mahoney play 80 minutes?

Reed Mahoney has openly spoke of his desire to return to being an 80-minute hooker for the Cowboys in 2025.

He certainly hasn't looked out of place doing it before, although his exit from the Bulldogs could really only be described as an odd one.

Certainly, his on-field discipline has let him down at times over the years, but there is no doubt around his talent. You don't become the likely back-up to Harry Grant at State of Origin level by not having what it takes at both ends of the park.

Whether playing 80 minutes, particularly in the warmer Townsville conditions, is the right call or not remains to be seen, but with Harrison Edwards and Sam McIntyre both sitting on the bench, it would be a surprise to see him do it each week.

Regardless, he will be the club's starting dummy half.