There are plenty of positions up for grabs at the Cowboys with the departure of a number of loyal servants at the end of the 2024 season.
The club's leading try scorer Kyle Feldt has gone to the Super League leaving space on the wing, while centre Valentine Holmes will suit up for the Dragons in 2025.
Zac Laybutt had locked in a centre spot with impressive performances to start his NRL career before being ruled out of the season in just Round 5 with an ACL injury and seems well placed to slot back into the role upon his return, but does have some challengers in his way, including the versatile Jaxon Purdue and will need to show he's back to his best to earn his spot back.
The squad's forward pack remains a strength however, with the major signings loss being promising young forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki who has headed to the Dolphins. From all reports, newcomer Kai O'Donnell has impressed during the pre-season sessions, with the second rower not putting a foot wrong in his bid to return to the NRL.
It looks like you may be using adblocking software to view this site.
Many features on the site, such as video playback, may not work properly when using adblocking software.
Please whitelist our domain or disable your adblocker to access all features and videos.
James Graham dissects the Cowboys 2025 NRL Draw
Halfback Chad Townsend has left for the Roosters, but didn't play in the club's later matches of the 2024 season, with Tully junior Jake Clifford the preferred option to partner star five-eighth Tom Dearden.
However, coach Todd Payten has declared a 'three-way shootout' for the halfback spot, with Clifford, Purdue and next-in-line Tom Duffy all gunning for the role.
Duffy was the Hostplus Cup's halfback of the year in 2024 with 33 try assists for the season as the Northern Pride claimed the minor premiership, before bowing out of the finals race, going down to Redcliffe in the preliminary final.
The Cowboys have suffered a tough injury toll in recent times with forward Heilum Luki and back Tom Chester out for the season with ACL injuries, but Payten has said he thinks Laybutt, Clifford and club legend Jason Taumalolo will be in contention for Round 1 selection.
Predicted Round 1 team
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Braidon Burns
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Tom Duffy
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Jason Taumalolo
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Sam McIntyre
15. Griffin Neame
16. Coen Hess
17. Thomas Mikaele
