The NRL is a constantly evolving landscape of teams changing through injuries, players being signed, players being released, and youngsters breaking through.
New coaches, new talents, and varying form also have a significant say in who is and who isn't in the best 17.
Zero Tackle have run the rule over what every team looked like at the end of 2024 against what it looks like at the end of 2025 to determine where the changes, improvements, and failures are.
North Queensland Cowboys
We have used the Round 26 team for the Cowboys, given they have the bye in the final round this season.
The spine is similar, although Tom Dearden and Jake Clifford have switched roles, while Reece Robson has played his last game for the club ahead of his move to the Sydney Roosters next year.
The outside backs are almost entirely different. Jaxon Purdue has been a breakout star this year, Zac Laybutt has returned from injury, and Semi Valemei and Braidon Burns finished the year on the wing.
Kyle Feldt is now in the English Super League, while Murray Taulagi has had an awful run with injuries throughout 2025.
In the forwards, Jordan McLean was back in the starting team but will now retire, while John Bateman joined the club during the off-season from the Wests Tigers. Heilum Luki, who started the final game of 2024, is out injured but will be back for 2026.
2024 Cowboys
2025 Cowboys
| Fullback |
| Wing |
| Centre |
| Centre |
| Wing |
| Five-eighth |
| Halfback |
| Prop |
| Hooker |
| Prop |
| Second Row |
| Second Row |
| Lock |
| Interchange |
| Interchange |
| Interchange |
| Interchange |
| Reserves |
