NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS: Defensive Disaster or Signs of a Bright Future?
After conceding 652 points throughout the season, including a humiliating 82-point demolition at the hands of the Roosters, where did it all go wrong in Townsville? Todd Payten has been handed an extension, but is he the right man to lead this club forward?
There were some positives, with Jason Taumalolo winding back the clock with some vintage performances, while young guns Tom Duffy? Purdue, Jaxon Chester and Heilum Luki offer plenty of hope for the future.
Can the Cowboys turn things around in 2027, or are bigger changes needed at the club?
We break down the highs, the lows, the biggest…
The skinny
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