Prediction: Fifteenth

Finish: 3rd

It is a credit to Todd Payten that he took a club with barely a roster change from second last place to within a game of the grand final in just twelve months. Payten looks like being one of the new breed of top coaches that could be in the game for years to come.

A dire 6-4 loss to fellow struggler Canterbury did not augur well for 2022, but Payten eventually found the right balance. He got the best out of Jason Taumalolo who recaptured his best devastating form. Valentine Holmes was turned into one of the most potent centres in the game, and fullback Scott Drinkwater had by far his best season in the NRL. The signing of veteran halfback Chad Townsend proved to be a masterstroke, giving the Cowboys much needed experience of game management.

The Cowboys’ forwards continued to defy the critics all season. Jeremiah Nanai is now officially a sensation and has been talked about in the same breath as Steve Menzies for his try scoring ability. Reuben Cotter is one of the most improved forwards in the competition, while Tom Gilbert was rewarded with Origin selection following a string of solid performances.

The big test for North Queensland will be how they back up in 2023 now that they are expected to be a premiership threat. I’m sure Todd Payten will already be thinking about that first game.

Grade: A+