The Cowboys were the surprise packet of the NRL last season - a team many predicted to finish last came within a game of the grand final.
Todd Payten rightly won the Coach of the Year award, but now the heat is on to repeat that success in 2023.
The Cowboys ambushed plenty of teams last season. That won't be happening this time and their job will be infinitely tougher.
READ MORE: Tributes flow after death of football commentary icon
READ MORE: Aussie hero's brilliance ices stellar Down Under trip
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2022 finishing position: 3rd
Gains: Jack Gosiewski (Dragons), James Tamou (Wests Tigers), Gehamat Shibasaki (Mackay Cutters).
Losses: Connelly Lemuelu (Dolphins), Tom Gilbert (Dolphins), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins), Ben Condon (Sea Eagles).
Best 17
Scott Drinkwater
Kyle Feldt
Peta Hiku
Valentine Holmes
Murray Taulagi
Tom Dearden
Chad Townsend
Jordan McLean
Reece Robson
Reuben Cotter
Coen Hess
Jeremiah Nanai
Jason Taumalolo
Bench: Jake Granville, Griffin Neame, Luciano Leilua, James Tamou
Best buy
Entering his second stint as a Cowboy, James Tamou is in the twilight of his career but is held in enormous respect up north and will be a great role model for the young Cowboys forwards.
Biggest loss
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is one of those rare players with X-factor and his amazing speed won the Cowboys a couple of tight games last year - he will be missed.
Greatest strength
A young, fearless pack that took on all comers last season and often managed to out-enthuse them. Their work rate and will to win was inspirational to watch.
Biggest question mark
It's a simple one - can the Cowboys again shock the league world by finishing so high up the ladder? Rival teams won't take them lightly this campaign and it could prove a real test for Payten and his young side.
Man under pressure
Tom Dearden came of age as an NRL playmaker last season - but will he fall victim to the dreaded second year syndrome?
Predicted 2023 finishing position: 6th
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
The Cowboys were the surprise packet of the NRL last season - a team many predicted to finish last came within a game of the grand final.
Todd Payten rightly won the Coach of the Year award, but now the heat is on to repeat that success in 2023.
The Cowboys ambushed plenty of teams last season. That won't be happening this time and their job will be infinitely tougher.
READ MORE: Tributes flow after death of football commentary icon
READ MORE: Aussie hero's brilliance ices stellar Down Under trip
READ MORE: Roosters star takes break after diagnosis
2022 finishing position: 3rd
Gains: Jack Gosiewski (Dragons), James Tamou (Wests Tigers), Gehamat Shibasaki (Mackay Cutters).
Losses: Connelly Lemuelu (Dolphins), Tom Gilbert (Dolphins), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins), Ben Condon (Sea Eagles).
Best 17
Scott Drinkwater
Kyle Feldt
Peta Hiku
Valentine Holmes
Murray Taulagi
Tom Dearden
Chad Townsend
Jordan McLean
Reece Robson
Reuben Cotter
Coen Hess
Jeremiah Nanai
Jason Taumalolo
Bench: Jake Granville, Griffin Neame, Luciano Leilua, James Tamou
Best buy
Entering his second stint as a Cowboy, James Tamou is in the twilight of his career but is held in enormous respect up north and will be a great role model for the young Cowboys forwards.
Biggest loss
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is one of those rare players with X-factor and his amazing speed won the Cowboys a couple of tight games last year - he will be missed.
Greatest strength
A young, fearless pack that took on all comers last season and often managed to out-enthuse them. Their work rate and will to win was inspirational to watch.
Biggest question mark
It's a simple one - can the Cowboys again shock the league world by finishing so high up the ladder? Rival teams won't take them lightly this campaign and it could prove a real test for Payten and his young side.
Man under pressure
Tom Dearden came of age as an NRL playmaker last season - but will he fall victim to the dreaded second year syndrome?
Predicted 2023 finishing position: 6th
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
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