North Queensland Cowboys have had a disappointing start to the NRL season, suffering heavy losses in their opening matches. In their first round, they were overcome by the Sea Eagles, losing 42-12. Head coach Todd Payten’s response was to drop standout player Jeremiah Nanai, citing concerns over his defensive skills.
Despite this drastic measure, the Cowboys continued to struggle, conceding six tries in a home defeat against the Cronulla Sharks, ending the game at 36-12. This poor performance has left many, including Billy Slater, questioning the team’s ability to recover. Slater highlighted the alarming statistic of 78 points allowed by North Queensland over two matches, underlining the urgency for improvement.
The team has undergone several roster changes during the off-season, losing key players such as Valentine Holmes and Kyle Feldt. Furthermore, star forward Jason Taumalolo is still sidelined due to an off-season foot injury. Slater, however, believes that roster transitions are not the primary issue facing the Cowboys.
He flagged the team’s edge defence as particularly problematic, noting that all seven tries conceded against Cronulla came from the edges rather than through the middle. The reliance on cohesive defensive strategies among newly positioned players is critical, and inconsistencies could create opportunities for their opponents.
Additionally, the Cowboys’ attacking performance has also been lackluster, with only four tries scored in their first two games. Slater remarked on the team’s apparent disconnection and sluggishness on the field, indicating a lack of understanding and coordination among players.
As North Queensland prepares for their third-round match against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, it’s clear that significant work lies ahead for the Cowboys if they hope to revive their season and compete effectively in the league.