As NRL clubs look hopefully towards next season - we pessimistically ponder the worst-case scenario for each of the 17 teams in 2023.

10. North Queensland Cowboys: Returning to defensive complacency

Todd Payten's outfit was the most improved club in 2022, moving from the competition's worst defensive club in 2021 to its second-best.

However, their defensive fortitude wavered somewhat in the post-origin run to the finals.

In their first 12 games, North Queensland conceded an average of 12.75 points per game. In their last 12 games, including finals matches, this jumped to 20.3 points per game.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 19: Luciano Leilua of the Cowboys celebrates after scoring a try during the round 23 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the New Zealand Warriors at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on August 19, 2022, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

If the Cowboys are to join Penrith at the summit of the NRL, Payten needs to address this significant end-of-season defensive slump otherwise North Queensland may find themselves sliding right back down the way they came.

1 COMMENT

  1. Before I read this, I thought “the worst that can happen” would be the same for each club: injury to one of its spine.

    However – Dolphins, Dragons, West and Warriors – all about the club pulling together. Cows and Roosters – the same (to a lesser degree).

    Perhaps this tells us that the influence of the coach – his ability to plan, organise, motivate and control his squad – is at least as important as that of any one player.