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).

'Delicate' reason behind star's surprise Raiders exit

Rugby league is a ruthless sport on and off the field - but Emre Guler's move from the Raiders to the Dragons showed that the game still has a heart. Canberra wanted to keep Guler - a tough forward who did a good job holding up the middle and was under contract for the coming season. But Wide World of Sports has learned that Guler was faced with a delicate family situation and wanted to move to a Sydney club on compassionate grounds. Canberra coach Ricky Stuart and chief executive Don Furner weighed up the situation - and decided to allow Guler to walk. The 27-year-old, who represented the Prime Minister's XIII in 2023, had been in secret negotiations with several Sydney clubs before finally coming to terms with the Red V. Guler has joined the club effective immediately, ending a seven-year career as a Raider. His signing is a massive boost after the club battled to hold onto former State of Origin enforcer Francis Molo, who is seeking a release from the joint venture. The big forward will be a handy gain for the Dragons alongside fellow signings Clint Gutherson, Damien Cook, Valentine Holmes and Lachlan Ilias.

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.

The moment that brought down Cowboys

Where has it all gone wrong for the Cowboys, who looked so good mid-season but have fallen away badly and now are in real danger of missing finals footy?Rarely can a team's demise be put down to one moment - and it came in 20th minute of the round 22 clash against the Titans in late July.It was then that Cowboys centre Val Holmes whacked Titans youngster Jayden Campbell with a swinging arm to the head and was sin binned.The Titans scored an upset win, taking advantage of Holmes' 10-minute absence, and the Cowboys then challenge the grading of the tackle at the judiciary - and lost again.Holmes was outed for the rest of the regular season and the Cowboys haven't won since, falling to the Broncos and Sharks to leave themselves in a perilous position.Holmes' absence has proven he is their x-factor - he has strike power and a real presence on the field and without him they have struggled badly … and face an early exit from the title race.