Cowboys’ 2026 NRL Elite: Top 19 Prospects

The North Queensland Cowboys are heading into the 2026 NRL season under significant pressure. With a talented roster that has consistently underperformed, coach Todd Payten finds himself in a precarious position. While the board publicly backs him, private sentiment may shift if results don’t improve. The club’s inability to consistently deliver on their potential has been a hallmark of Payten’s tenure, and 2025 was another year where expectations weren’t met.

For 2026, the Cowboys are bringing in some new faces, but the core of the squad remains largely the same. The most significant changes are expected in the spine positions, leaving Payten with the crucial task of optimising his selections and instilling a new level of performance across the team.

Recruitment Snapshot: Arrivals and Departures

The Cowboys have made several key recruitment moves for the upcoming season, aiming to address specific areas of their squad.

Ins:

Matthew Lodge (Manly Sea Eagles, 2026)
Soni Luke (Penrith Panthers, 2026)
Reed Mahoney (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2028)
James Walsh (The Dolphins, 2028)

Outs:

Emarly Bitungane (London Broncos)
Tom Duffy (Brisbane Broncos)
Karl Lawton (Hull Kingston Rovers)
Nicholas Lenaz (Townsville Blackhawks)
Jordan McLean (retired)
Reece Robson (Sydney Roosters)
Semi Valemei (Castleford Tigers)

Off-Contract at End of 2026:

Several players are entering the final year of their contracts, adding another layer of intrigue to the Cowboys’ long-term planning.

John Bateman
Braidon Burns
Tom Chester
Jake Clifford
Harrison Edwards
Zac Herdegen
Mason Kira
Kaiden Lahrs
Matthew Lodge
Soni Luke
Sam McIntyre
Kai O’Donnell
Jaxson Paulo
Jaxon Purdue
Murray Taulagi

Full Squad and Positional Breakdown

The North Queensland Cowboys boast a comprehensive squad for the 2026 season, with a mix of established stars and emerging talent.

Fullback

Scott Drinkwater remains the undisputed number one at fullback. He has been the driving force behind the Cowboys’ attack in recent years, and despite the team’s overall struggles, his individual contribution has been undeniable. Drinkwater is involved in almost every attacking play and is expected to continue as the linchpin of their backline. Should Drinkwater face injury, Tom Chester is the likely replacement, provided he can maintain his fitness throughout the season. The depth beyond that will rely on developing players, with Mason Barber showing promise during the pre-season challenge.

Wingers

Murray Taulagi is set to return after a significant portion of the 2025 season was missed due to injury. He is expected to secure one of the wing positions for the start of the 2026 campaign. Braidon Burns, who enjoyed a career-best season in 2025, is anticipated to partner him on the other wing. However, this spot is not guaranteed, with Robert Derby pushing hard for game time and Jaxson Paulo also a viable option.

Centres

The centre pairing will likely depend on Jaxon Purdue’s role in the team. If the Cowboys are serious about utilising his talents effectively, he is best suited to a centre position, where he impressed in 2025. His development in the halves when given opportunities was less impactful. If Purdue occupies one centre spot, Zac Laybutt is expected to be on the other. Tom Chester, similar to his fullback role, is the primary backup option. Viliami Vailea is another player who will be vying for a centre position, and the versatile Jaxson Paulo could also be deployed here.

Halves

With Jaxon Purdue potentially settling into a centre role, the halves equation becomes clearer. Tom Dearden is a guaranteed starter, likely partnering with Jake Clifford. Dearden, a representative star, is arguably the Cowboys’ most crucial player. Whether he plays at five-eighth or halfback is less important than his presence on the field. Clifford’s inclusion means Dearden will likely play at five-eighth, with Clifford taking the reins at halfback. Clifford’s solid performance in 2025, playing in more wins than losses, positions him well to control the game. The departure of Tom Duffy to the Brisbane Broncos opens up a potential pathway for Zac Herdegen to make his debut, though the depth in this position is considered somewhat thin.

Middle Forwards

The engine room of the Cowboys’ forward pack is expected to be led by the formidable duo of Reuben Cotter and Jason Taumalolo. Their experience and toughness are invaluable assets. John Bateman, who has been transitioning from an edge player to a middle forward with success in 2025, is earmarked for the lock position. The Cowboys boast significant depth in the middle, with Coen Hess, the new recruit Matthew Lodge, Griffin Neame, and the versatile Sam McIntyre and Harrison Edwards all vying for spots. Further options include Thomas Mikaele, Kaiden Lahrs, and James Walsh.

Hooker

The departure of Reece Robson to the Sydney Roosters is directly addressed by the signing of Reed Mahoney from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Mahoney is an aggressive dummy-half runner known for his fearless approach and is expected to be the starting hooker, playing significant minutes. The question of whether he plays the full 80 minutes each week may be influenced by the signing of Soni Luke from the Penrith Panthers, who provides a strong backup option.

Edge Forwards

Heilum Luki is anticipated to return from injury to start the 2026 season and slot straight into the second-row, especially with John Bateman shifting to lock. Jeremiah Nanai is expected to hold onto the other edge forward spot. Both players will be eager to have strong seasons, having been impacted by injuries and inconsistent form. Harrison Edwards and Sam McIntyre, both versatile forwards, are the leading backup options. John Bateman could also be shifted to the edge if required. The depth in the second-row is a concern, with Kai O’Donnell being the only other recognised specialist in that position.