Act of Squad: Cowboys predicted team and 2026 overview

At their attacking best in 2025 the unpredictable Cowboys proved too classy for the Raiders and Panthers as part of a four-game winning streak early in the season.

At their defensive worst the Cowboys gave up 138 points across three games to the Storm, Dolphins and Roosters as part of a mid-season slump that saw them drop out of the top eight never to return.

Flashy and frustrating. Exhilarating and infuriating. What makes them great is what makes them grate. That's the Cowboys' story as they head into an 11th season since the club's maiden premiership.

In Tom Dearden, Scott Drinkwater and Jeremiah Nanai they have a Big Three every bit as potent as Johnathan Thurston, Michael Morgan and Gavin Cooper back in 2015.

In Murray Taulagi and Jaxon Purdue they have weapons out wide and in Reuben Cotter and Griffin Neame they have toughness in the middle.

And in Jason Taumalolo they have the last remaining link to that emotion charged night when Thurston iced the golden point field goal that sunk the Broncos and put the Cowboys on the map after two decades in the big time.

Already boasting one of the game's fiercest competitors in Dearden, the Cowboys have added ruthless rake Reed Mahoney to the mix as they look to put the steel back in their defence after conceding 28 points per game in 2025.

It's no secret that defence wins premierships - a point coach Todd Payten will no doubt be ramming home as his troops build up to their historic season opener against the Knights.

Make a statement in Las Vegas and parlay that into wins over Wests Tigers and the Titans and the men from Townsville will have the perfect springboard into their season.

• Casualty ward: All the latest injury news
• Comings and Goings: 2026 Signings Tracker
• Witzer Pre-Season Challenge Draw

Best 17

1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Braidon Burns
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Jaxon Purdue
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Jake Clifford
8. Reuben Cotter
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Griffin Neame
11. Heilum Luki
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. John Bateman
14. Harrison Edwards
15. Coen Hess 
16. Sam McIntyre
17. Jason Taumalolo