Little Known Fact About Cowboys Young Gun

Look up Jaxon Purdue's profile on the official Cowboys website and it will say he is a specialist halfback. And that's what makes the 19-year-old's efforts this season playing in the centres quite special. With Jake Clifford and Tom Dearden firmly entrenched in the two halfback spots, the teenager has re-invented himself as a centre - and wow! The local junior from Mackay has scored six tries in his past six games - and it was his try against the Titans that broke an 18-all deadlock and put the Cowboys on track for a big win. The rookie also made two line breaks on Saturday night and looks to be improving with every game.

Raiders Snatch U19s Origin Rep

The Cowboys have lost Queensland under 19 fullback Mutua Brown to the Raiders - effective immediately. The youngster moved to Canberra last week and played in the Canberra Jersey Flegg team - but is a rookie going places fast. The 19-year-old had been playing for Cowboys feeder club Mackay Cutters in the Queensland Cup but felt his path to first grade would be quicker at the Raiders. Brown spent last summer training with the Cowboys' NRL squad and has the added advantage of being a utility, able to play just about anywhere in the backline.

Vegas hangover the least of jet-setting worries

It's not the longest first two rounds of travel in league history that worries the Sharks most leading into the weekend. Instead, it's more the possibility of the bounce-back factor of the Cowboys that players are wary of. Cronulla have drawn the short straw in the draw, starting off in Las Vegas against the reigning premiers Penrith, before another mammoth journey to Townsville on Saturday. "It's a lot of travelling but I think we have it under control," Sharks forward Teig Wilton told Wide World of Sports. "Having the weekend off last week helped and our preparation has been different to the past. It was disappointing to lose to Penrith in the USA. "They are a great team and four-time premiers for a reason. We put up a good showing against them and took plenty of positives out of our performance." Wilton admits he is concerned at taking on a Cowboys team licking their wounds after a first-up 42-12 thrashing at the hands of Manly. "They will be out to prove a point, especially back home for the first time this season," the hard-working back-rower said. "They are a good team and will be up for it. "We know we are in for a hard game and need to be at our best." Todd Payten has already made a big call after the loss, with star Jeremiah Nanai axed and set to play reserve grade this weekend.

Broncos player tipped to join Cowboys amid NRL dilemma around Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs

NRL great Scott Sattler has revealed the Cowboys are likely to snare either Tyson Smoothy from the Broncos or Jayden Brailey from the Knights before the June 30 deadline this year as cover for star hooker Reece Robson. The Cowboys are likely to be without Robson during the State of Origin period after he emerged as the No.1 hooking option for NSW last year. Todd Payten doesn't really have a genuine back-up hooker in his NRL team, although Karl Lawton or Sam McIntyre could fill the role during Origin time. According to Sattler, rumours are rife that the Cowboys will look to snare one of Smoothy or Brailey to fill the void.Brailey is on the outer at Newcastle and was left out of their leadership group for 2025. The Knights are said to be happy for the veteran to move on, with Phoenix Crossland set to start at No.9 this season. As for Smoothy, he's become surplus to requirements at the Broncos and has already signed with Wakefield in the English Super League for 2026. Smoothy played a lot of first-grade during Kevin Walters' time as Brisbane coach, but under Michael Maguire he appears to be stuck behind Cory Paix, Billy Walters and Blake Mozer. Smoothy will likely spend 2025 in Queensland Cup, unless the Cowboys come knocking. "I'm hearing Tyson Smoothy or Jayden Brailey to the Cows before June 30," Sattler said on SEN radio on Monday night. "If Robson goes down or is selected for Origin there's no-one there who has any experience."

Two stars under the pump after Cowboys 'over achieved'

There's little doubt that the Cowboys over-achieved last season - plenty of pundits had them near the bottom of the ladder this time 12 months ago, yet they made the finals and bowed out in the second week. But having lost their three most experienced backs - Valentine Holmes, Chad Townsend and Kyle Feldt - and failing to sign any big names to replace them, life could be tougher this time around. They do still have classy fullback Scott Drinkwater, who was second in the league for try assists in 2024, and if he can stay healthy, the points will come. However it's vital that with Townsend gone, the new-look halves combination of Tom Dearden and Jake Clifford clicks. Dearden is a class act and one of the game's best pivots, but Clifford still has some inconsistencies in his game that need to be fixed. Clifford will be kept honest by Jaxon Purdue and Tom Duffy, who are both in the mix for a spot in the 17. The points won't flow as freely without the three big- name departures, but there is enough class there to worry rival defences if Drinkwater is again so lethal. Scoring wasn't really a problem for the Cowboys last season - defence was more their Achilles heel. They had the worst points differential of the teams in the finals, due mainly to some heavy defeats throughout the year. The pack has been boosted by three experienced campaigners - Karl Lawton (Sea Eagles), Kai O'Donnell (Leigh Leopards) and John Bateman (Wests Tigers). I thought Bateman had a fair year in a struggling Tigers side last season and early reports on O'Donnell are very positive. In co-captain Reuben Cotter, the Cowboys have one of the most inspirational and hard-working forwards in the NRL and he will keep the rest of the pack honest.

2025 gains: Karl Lawton (Sea Eagles), Kai O'Donnell (Leigh Leopards), Jaxson Paulo (Sea Eagles), John Bateman (Wests Tigers).

2025 losses: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins), Chad Townsend (Roosters), Jake Granville (released), Kyle Feldt (St Helens), Valentine Holmes (Dragons), Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (retired), D'Jazirhae Pua'avase (Sea Eagles).

Bateman's new home confirmed after early Tigers exit

John Bateman has been granted an early release from the Wests Tigers, inking a two-year contract with the Cowboys. The back-rower was given a temporary release from his deal at Concord earlier this year to play in the Super League, but has since returned to Australia. Bateman will join North Queensland for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Bateman won the Dally M Second Rower of the Year award in his debut season at the Raiders, while also featuring in the 2019 grand final against the Sydney Roosters. The Cowboys have taken the chance on getting the original version of Bateman, with the 31-year-old set to provide some much needed experience in their forward pack. "We have been in the market for an experienced forward with the ability to play either in the middle or on an edge," the club's General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said. "John bases his game around defensive intent and willingness to compete in every situation – a couple of areas we’ve made no secret we want to improve significantly on in 2025." Bateman leaves the Tigers having made 32 appearances for the club across a two-year spell. It is reported the NRL stragglers will chip in a significant chunk of money towards Bateman's salary in Townsville. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are hopeful that Bateman's big-game experience will help to bring along a talented crop of backrowers for the future.  "Along with what he does on the field, we also believe he will be a valuable mentor for our younger forwards in Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai and Griffin Neame," Luck added.

'No Rush' for unsigned cowboys veteran

Jordan McLean turns 33 next week - is unsigned for 2025 - but is confident of landing a new deal with the Cowboys in coming weeks. The big prop is approaching 150 games with the club after five seasons with the Storm and was among Todd Payten's most consistent performers in 2024. "I would love to stick around for another season or two," McLean told Wide World of Sports. "The body feels good and I'm in no rush - hopefully we can work something out soon. "It feels like home up here - I love the place."

'Crazy' finals stat sparks thorny Cowboys' question

The Cowboys were a far more polished team in 2024 than last year, jumping from an under-achieving 11th place to the second round of the finals. But their performance in the finals was well below their best and leaves Todd Payten with plenty to think about over the summer. They limped over the line against a depleted Knights side in finals week one and then were well and truly outgunned by the Sharks in week two. The Cowboys were too slow out of the blocks last weekend, trailing 24-0 at halftime before a brief rally - but realistically were never going to haul back such a big lead. The team missed 50 tackles - a crazy amount in an elimination game - and several observers raised question marks about the fitness of the squad. The other major worry for the Cowboys is that they are losing their two most experienced backs - and the duo who posted most of their points. After a glittering career at the club, Kyle Feldt is off to St Helens while Val Holmes is joining the Dragons. Together, the pair posted 346 of the Cowboys' 657 points - more than the rest of the squad put together! So Payten is going to have to find players with points in them to replace the prolific duo over the summer. Lack of consistency was another problem - mid-season they lost seven of eight games before getting their act together and scraping into the finals. Fullback Scott Drinkwater had a great year, with 26 try assists, second only to the Dragons' Ben Hunt. He also had most line break assists in the league, popping up all over the field to send his supports away. Throw in the 10 tries he scored and he was the Cowboys' rock. Feldt finished his Cowboys career with an impressive 23 tries, with Holmes not far behind on 16. Feldt's fellow winger Murray Taulagi touched down for 11 tries and often ran his team out of trouble, giving the Cowboys a back three equal to any in the comp. Tom Dearden had his best ever season at five-eighth, running the attack and felling rampaging forwards twice his size week after week. Calm, composed and talented, he is the future of the Cowboys. His halves partner Chad Townsend fell out of favour late in the season and Jake Clifford will be the man in the hot seat in 2025.

Cowboys: 2023 finish: 11th | 2024 finish: 5th

2025 gains: Karl Lawton (Manly Sea Eagles, 2026), Kai O'Donnell (Leigh Leopards, 2026)

2025 losses: Kyle Feldt (St Helens Saints), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (The Dolphins), Jack Gosiewski (Brisbane Broncos), Valentine Holmes (St George Illawarra Dragons), Chad Townsend (Sydney Roosters), Jake Granville (TBC).

'Announced himself': Gus in awe of unsung hero

A late Cowboys resurgence was not enough to dim the brilliance of Braydon Trindall as the Sharks book their spot in the grand final qualifier. The 26-18 victory marks the end of the Sharks horror finals run since 2018 and the first September football triumph with Craig Fitzgibbon at the helm. But it was Trindall who was the unlikely hero for the side, recording two tries, one try assist and a linebreak. The playmaker ignited the Sharks early onslaught with a penalty try as he was pulled to the turf without the ball by an incoming Reuben Cotter. The surprising decision was backed up by a steaming Cameron McInnes try, which was produced by the brilliance of a Ronaldo Mulitalo and Trindall partnership. Trindall and Mulitalo followed the effort to close the half with a 24-point lead over the interstate visitors. "What a try - outstanding from Trindall in the corner," Peter Psaltis said on Nine. Valentine Holmes halted the Sharks onslaught in the opening minutes of the final 40 with his trademark footwork pushing him to plant the ball down next to the posts. But a pinpoint kick by Trindall forced a set restart in favour of the Sharks and set Sione Koata up to score, but he was later denied by the Bunker due to a knock on. Royce Hunt looked certain to score minutes later but was also denied by the Bunker as an earlier knock on by Mulitalo was missed on field. An additional two tries by the Cowboys was of little concern for the five-eighth, who forced yet another repeated set before rattling the Cowboys to earn a penalty goal. "He's playing like a veteran and that was fantastic," Paul Vautin said. "He has had a magnificent game Trindall." After the game, halves partner Nicho Hynes heaped praise on Trindall and believes their combination is coming together well at the right time of year. "He's killing it Tricky," he said. "All I wanted to do was come back and suit our style. Tricky has been kicking well and playing well, so we've got to stick to our strengths as a football team. "We're gelling pretty nicely at the right part of the year." The highest praise however came from Phil Gould, who claims Trindall is now a bonafide first grade star who will have plenty of clubs knocking on his door soon. "Every finals series, a player emerges and rise to the occasion to announce themselves," he said on Nine's post-game recap. "I think that's a breakout game. We know he's been a talented player, he had to wait for a long time at the Sharks - but tonight was a breakout game. "He really announced himself on the stage of NRL football … that was a superb performance and he really did take the pressure away from Nicho Hynes. "He was able to simplify his game … Trindall came up with the big plays."

'No bad blood': Maloney lifts the lid on Cowboys exit

James Maloney claims there is "no bad blood" between himself and North Queensland, with the champion playmaker still cheering on the club in the NRL finals. The two-time premiership winner was sacked from his role as Cowboys assistant coach earlier this month after being charged with drink driving. Maloney had joined the coaching staff in Townsville this season, working closely with the likes of Tom Dearden and Jake Clifford to help nail a top-eight spot. While his exit was abrupt, the 38-year-old is still in contact with Dearden in particular as the five-eighth continues to lean on Maloney's experience in big games. "There's no bad blood with the Cowboys," Maloney told The Sydney Morning Herald. "I didn't leave on bad terms. They weren't great terms, but I put myself in a position [and] they made a decision to let me go, and I respect that. "I still hope they go on to win the comp. I've got a lot of time for Tommy. He's so coachable and anything you tell him, he puts into practice the very next session. "For most players, it takes a long time to break habits. But not with Tommy." North Queensland overcame a gallant Newcastle outfit in last week's elimination final, with the side now up against one of Maloney's former clubs, Cronulla, in the semis.

Awkward saga fixed as Cowboys secure $100k charter flight

The NRL has come to the rescue to help North Queensland get to Sydney in time for Friday's semi final. The Cowboys were facing an awkward situation after failing to book ahead and secure passage from Townsville to the NSW capital. Tickets on direct flights from Townsville to Sydney this week sold like hotcakes after the Cowboys beat the Knights on Saturday to progress to week two of finals. Airlines were also accused of dramatically hiking prices, with as much as $1700 charged for a return flight to Sydney. Fans still flocked to buy tickets so they can watch the team take on Cronulla at Allianz Stadium at Sydney's Moore Park. But the rush has left the actual players and staff in the awkward position of not having any flights booked. The Courier Mail reports the NRL has now agreed to share the cost of a charter flight to get the team from Townsville to Sydney on Thursday. "Hopefully we can get it sorted today, we need to know how we are getting down there and how we are getting back," club football boss Michael Luck told the Courier Mail on Tuesday. "The NRL and the airlines always try and accommodate us. There weren't enough seats for us on any commercial flights, so the NRL was working with an agency to sort that out. "Unless Virgin or Jetstar put on another commercial flight, which they have done before, we might have to get a charter flight to Sydney. "There's only two direct commercial flights from Townsville to Sydney, but we have a party of 36 plus all our travel gear, so there's not enough seats for our team on those flights. "We're working with the NRL to make sure our team gets there at the normal time." Luck says the club has figured out a travel "routine" which he believes has helped improve the team's winning record in Sydney. The Cowboys aim to fly direct to Sydney the day before a game and arrive at their hotel early in the afternoon, giving the players enough time to recover before kick off. The Sharks - who finished higher on the ladder - have the luxury of travelling less than an hour from their base in the Shire. Cronulla was keen to host the game at Shark Park but the NRL opted for the much larger and more up-to-date Allianz Stadium just to the east of the city.

Cowboys Silence The Doubters

Someone made the mistake of doubting the mental and physical toughness of the Cowboys in the lead-up to Saturday night's epic sudden death clash with the Knights - and it didn't go down well. The Cowboys were off their game for much of an enthralling contest, but battled back from a 12-4 half time deficit to somehow triumph 28-16. And coach Todd Payten put much of the fightback down to the criticism of his players. "There's been a couple of question marks about our toughness but I think we've answered that," Payten said after the win. The Knights, with Kalyn Ponga in rare form, dominated much of a brutal game, but just couldn't put the Cowboys away. And as the heat and humidity of the far north began to take its toll on the visitors, the Cowboys pounced. Big forwards Heilum Luki and Jordan McLean were outstanding in the Cowboys' fightback - but Payten knows they will have to be much better next weekend if they are to stay in the title race.

Cowboys' Scrappy Win Raises Concerns Ahead of Finals

Has a team ever played so poorly as the Cowboys on Thursday night - yet somehow clocked up 38 points and got the win? It's just as well for the Cowboys that the Storm rested 10 players and lost Ryan Papenhuyzen and Marin Seve in the space of 90 seconds in the first half because otherwise, they would have thumped a listless North Queensland team. The Cowboys went into the game thinking they would win easily and were quickly brought back to earth by the 'spare parts' Storm outfit. Coach Todd Payten is certain to give his troops a blast this week for their attitude - they conceded 30 points and had 46 missed tackles, with fullback Scott Drinkwater, half Jake Clifford and lock Reuben Cotter all missing six. They do that in the finals and they will go straight out the back door.

Holmes caps challenging week with hat-trick

Rarely does a champion player have two bad games in a row - so it was fairly predictable that Val Holmes would shine against the Raiders on Saturday night. The Cowboys star had a busy week, producing a shocker against the Broncos seven days earlier before signing a three-year deal with the Dragons. With the pressure of his future off his shoulders and with a point to prove, Holmes cut loose in the 42-4 thrashing of the Raiders. Holmes scored a hat trick, made numerous line breaks and booted seven goals from seven attempts for a personal tally of 26 points. The Cowboys look destined to finish in the bottom half of the top eight - but with the strike power of Holmes out wide, could go deep into September.

Holmes move confirmed despite last-minute twist

At least three clubs have joined the Dragons in the pursuit of Cowboys star Valentine Holmes - but it has all come to nought. Just in the last few hours, Holmes has agreed to a long term deal with the Dragons, re-uniting him with former coach Shane Flanagan. The Dragons got the jump on the field last week, with coach Flanagan making the long trek to Townsville to sit down with his former premiership-winning player at Cronulla. At one stage, Holmes was even having second thoughts about moving because his wife runs several highly successful businesses in Townsville. But in the end, Flanagan's persistence won out and he got his man in a massive boost for the Big Red V in 2025.

Cowboys Veteran Set To Extend

Cowboys favourite Kyle Feldt - who turns 33 next February - has yet to decide whether he will play on in 2025. But sheer weight of tries is likely to see the veteran winger play on next season. The tryscoring ace has crossed the stripe nine tries in his past eight games, including a fine hat trick against the Sharks on Saturday night. In one of the Cowboys' most important games of the year, Feldt was his immaculate self - three chances… three tries. His three strikes proved the difference in a 30-22 win that suddenly sees the Cowboys in top four contention.

Why cult hero is one of the greats

When it comes to ranking players in the toughest game of all, longevity is a key factor. And for that reason, veteran Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt will go down in history as one of the all time greats. The 32-year-old scored the opening try in North Queensland's upset 16-6 win over the Panthers on Sunday with one of his trademark dives. And as he did so, he wrote his name into the record books. It was the ninth straight year that Feldt has scored at least 10 tries - putting him in rare company. Since 1908, only two players have managed to emulate Feldt's feat - all-time tryscoring record holder Ken Irvine and Warriors legend Manu Vatuvei. Feldt is a beloved figure in Cowboy territory - with his last gasp try instrumental in their lone grand final win - and he had a fine game in the surprise win over the Panthers.

Cowboys reportedly make call on forward’s release request

The North Queensland Cowboys have reportedly knocked back a release request for forward Jack Gosiewski. The second-rower has moved up in the pecking order recently at the club following the departure of Luciano Leilua to the St George Illawarra Dragons, however, still sits behind Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. Luki's current injury means Gosiewski is in the side for the time being, but at full strength, he would still miss out on Todd Payten's best 17. Making the move away from the St George Illawarra Dragons at the end of the 2022 season, the ex-South Sydney Rabbitoh and Manly Sea Eagles has played at the Cowboys since the start of 2023, but has only managed eight first-grade games prior to Friday night's encounter against the Brisbane Broncos in Round 4. Gosiewski recently requested an immediate release from the remainder of his contract in Townsville to relocate to the Brisbane Broncos. The report suggests that while the Cowboys have entertained conversations with the 29-year-old, they ultimately shut the door on any move to ensure their own edge forward depth remains in check throughout the 2024 campaign. Cowboys director of football Michael Luck said a release could still happen in the future.

Holmes Pushing Cowboys Top Four

It was very much Val Holmes's night as the Cowboys thumped the Dragons 46-24 at Kogarah on Saturday. After a slow start to the season by his high standards in the opening two rounds, the star centre put it all together. Holmes ran a game high 247 metres, scored a try and set one up. To cap a memorable night, the veteran centre scored his 1000th career point when he converted Kulikefu Finefeuiaki's try in the second half. The Cowboys came from 18-4 down to score a fine win, at one stage going on a seven-straight try rampage. They now sit at the top of the ladder after three rounds and are looking a great chance for the top four at this early stage.

Icon's family left 'bitter' over bombshell claim

League legend Matt Bowen has dropped a bombshell on the Cowboys, revealing that the club sacked him as a player in 2013. At the time it was reported that it was Bowen who decided to quit the club and finish his career with two seasons with English club Wigan. But Bowen - arguably the best player the Cowboys have produced - revealed on Andy Raymond's Unfiltered podcast that he was shown the door by the club - and he wasn't happy about it. "To be honest I wish I had stayed at the Cows. I was told I wasn't needed at the club at the time," Bowen said. "You get called into the office and they say they haven't got room for you next year … I didn't know what to say … I didn't know what to think. "Two years later they won the comp and I would have been a part of it. "It was a kick in the guts. Obviously I did so much for this club and my missus is still bitter about it today. I love the club, don't get me wrong. I know how hard the players train. "But being told that at the back end of the year - and I think I just missed out on the Dally M (Medal). "I was only 29 or 30 and I knew I had more to offer."