North Queensland experienced a frustrating campaign, which saw them fail to deliver upon their promise.
The Cowboys' old problems haunted them once again as their defence conceded far too many points to possibly trouble the best teams.
Todd Payten came under pressure, but the club is set to back the coach to lift the Townsville-based outfit and have them firing as a finals contender in 2026.
MORE: NRL team of the year - Selections from Sporting News include James Tedesco, Isaiya Katoa
Which players have left North Queensland Cowboys in 2025?
Reece Robson was the headline loss for the Cowboys, as the New South Wales hooker decided to leave Townsville, while Tom Duffy has moved to rivals, Brisbane.
Jordan McLean has also been a key member of the side's forward pack, but will enter retirement after nearly two decades in the NRL.
Full list of North Queensland departures
| Player | New club |
|---|---|
| Emarly Bitungane | - |
| Tom Duffy | Brisbane Broncos |
| Nic Lenaz | - |
| Jordan McLean | Retired |
| Reece Robson | Sydney Roosters |
| Jamal Shibasaki | - |
| Semi Valemei | Castleford Tigers |
Who have the Cowboys signed for 2026?
- Ethan King (Sydney Roosters)
- Reed Mahoney (Canterbury Bulldogs)
- Tyson Walker (Sydney Roosters)
Who have the Cowboys re-signed for next season?
Jake Clifford earned a new deal as North QLD look to put their faith in him and Tom Dearden in the halves moving forward.
The Cowboys moved to secure several backline players to new terms, with Tom Chester, Braidon Burns, Robert Derby, Zac Laybutt and Viliami Vailea agreeing to extensions.