COWS WITH GUNS CAN PACK PUNCH

The Cowboys were one of the great disappointments of last season after featuring in the 2022 preliminary finals. But North Queensland is stacked with talent and has the potential to bounce back in 2024 if coach Todd Payten can get his side back on track.

The Cowboys conceded 30-plus points three times in the last four games of last season. In 2022, they conceded 30 points or more just twice.

BACKS

The Cowboys have enough talent in the backline to do some damage this year.

Valentine Holmes is a Test and Origin centre while Zac Laybutt and Semi Valemei are players on the rise. Kyle Feldt and Murray Taulagi are two of the best finishing wingers in the NRL.

If the Cowboys can create opportunities, these guys can convert them into points.

SPINE

The Cowboys are not short on talent in the playmaking spine. Five-eighth Tom Dearden is an Origin player and improving every year while fullback Scott Drinkwater has shown how dangerous he can be with the ball. Hooker Reece Robson is a NSW Origin representative and Chad Townsend has won an NRL premiership at halfback. There isn’t a lot wrong with this spine.

NRL LIVE IN 4K ULTRA HD FORWARDS

The Cowboys need more from their forwards in 2024 and they have the potential to deliver.

Props Jordan McLean and Jason Taumalolo are ageing, but have the experience to be consistent contributors while Griffin Neame is on the rise. The edge back row is a real strength for the Cowboys with Jeremiah Nanai, Heilum Luki and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki possessing damaging ability.

Lock Reuben Cotter is one of the hardestworking and underrated forwards in the game.

After bursting on to the NRL scene with a stunning season in 2022, Jeremiah Nanai had a year to forget in 2023. At his best, Nanai is the most devastating back-rower in the game with his brilliant leaping and try-scoring ability. If Nanai can rediscover his best form, the Cowboys will be a much more dangerous team this year.