Cowboys 2023 Outlook: After rapid rise from basement to penthouse, repeat success on horizon for Payten's posse

The yo-yo effect. Right. As a Cowboy supporter, I’m always weary of the yo-yo. After two GFs in three years, a lot of us went into 2018 expecting another. The 2019, 20 and 21 seasons were poor, yet I for one started each year still expecting finals. By 2022, I had finally conceded we weren’t finals bound. Well… So how much of a surprise was that 2022 campaign under Todd Payten? Did his first season in charge tell us anything? Couple of things to note: If it’s true a side’s most important player is its general and playmaker, Michael Morgan’s forced retirement after two games of the 2021 season sure didn’t help Payten’s first year. The Cowboys started the season 0-4. Then, arguably, Payten’s system started to work, and the Cowboys recovered, winning 6 of the next 8. By Origin, the Cowboys were 6-6. When Payten took the reigns he probably knew it would take time to make his mark on the side. And without a Test and Origin quality halfback and club captain, it couldn’t be sustained. If the yo-yo effect is prevalent within seasons, not just between them, it was exemplified by the second half of 2021. Cowboys lost 11 of the final 12 games and finished 15th. What does Payten do? He recruits the closest Morgan replacement he can. The experienced, methodical, underrated and reliable Townsend. Chad might not have played Origin or Test football like Morgan, but his injection clearly worked. Going out on a limb here. If Townsend stays fit, Payten’s system gets its third chance to succeed. And the Cowboys make the 23 GF.

Just heard the news we re- signed Nanai till 27. Didn't hear a price but if it was fair then I'm very happy.

I agree . Like I said I just wish we were at full strength for the first 8 games . I reckon if we were I'd guarantee a top four finish but alas we are not. Still it's a good test of our depth. Jimmy will fill a role, not sure on the Jet Ski but Payten is not dumb so if he thinks he's the best option let's have look. Not long now Rob. !!!!!

The Cowboys should have won their semifinal against the Eels, as they were the better team on the day but hats off to the Eels who never stopped trying. However, that forward pass from Moses was so obvious and should have been pulled up and without that the Eels lose, and the Cowboys make the GF.

The Cowboys only play 8 games all season, outside of Queensland. Now that’s a pretty cushy run.

Thanks TB. I am sure your season will be a better one than last. I have pencilled in the Dogs games as don't miss.

Moving Cotter back if we loose Robo would not be that bad as we have a lot of good props and his strenght is his involvement and defence, he plays 80 at hooker as well. Still imo and Aaron Paynes opinion the next best hooker at the club but we are not Payton .Hanson is the next long term hooker at this stage but too young for the NRL middle yet.

I only really have concerns with two of those. Jake is not what he was but still gives it all he has. He would not be my choice for our 14. I am an unashamed Feldty fan but his standard varys too much these days. Wonderful, average, wonderful , poor etc This may be his swansong.

If Namo can fit into the system, he could be anything. Just a ball of muscle. One of those guys you give 10 - 15 to before and after half time, and just let them empty the tank. But for me, Luki is the man. Before he was injured, I had higher props on him than Nanai. Can't wait to see him fully fit and back on the paddock.

I thought similar. Townsend 32, Feldte 31, Hiku 30, and Taumololo 30 in a few months + playing his 14th season. Would be great for Nth Qld if the trajectory was still going up, but understandable if last year was the peak based on NRL player lifespan factors, like Souths may also have reached a peak, as every year upon year climbing up Everest with older legs isn't getting easier. Getting more and more unachievable until there's newer legs.

In the trial against the Dolphins we played Jake Bourke (a 5/8) as a hooker and Chester moved to 5/8 from fullback so Payton is definitely schooling some players in multiple positions for this role. Ol' Jakey will start like last year, as the 14 it would seem. But last year that was because Dunny got injured, as massive as he is, he is still a ball player. And at a pinch can cover 5/8/ centre/ second row and has a decent pass off the ground.

He seems to be fitting in ok Nat so so maybe the cowboys good vibe has rubbed off on him. Like Looch I questioned his fit with a quite humble side, but you can only judge his actions from now on as a NQ supporter. Luki and Dunny will shake things up in a month or so, when we hopefully return to full strength. Before that we are short of a top quality 2nd rower. If Sadrugu keeps putting out 200m like in the game against the Dolphins it won't take long for him to really push for a spot. The same with Namo he punched out 200 as well by the club stats and they didn't play really big minutes but the line speed of both sides fell away in the second half. We pulled Finefeuiaki out of the Dolphins game but I'm not in the know for why, but by reports he has been going very well. Either way the Blackhawks are looking stacked this season and I'll be following how they go Nat. I'm hoping for long day in the big show.

Agree but not really sure who, maybe Chester? He showed some spark and seemed to take on the contact on the weekend. The last thing they would want is to move Cotter back there.

I think it's time to put a youngster on the bench, at least for some games. Because if Robinson cops a long term injury, I don't think is up to being the main hooker anymore.

I have a lot of respect for Jakey but his days have to be numbered.

I would sooner like to see JTB, Luki, Dunn or even Sadrugu take that bench place over Gosiewski. That guy has had so many starts at different clubs and offers nothing but penalties and poor discipline.

the only risk I see (and it's minor) is whether some of the older players fall off a cliff faster than expected. Holmes, Feldt, Tamou, Granville, Townsend, Hiku. That's a lot of experience but also a lot of miles in legs. But I'm really clutching at straws. I expect them to be up and about again as Payten is too good a coach not to have them humming. The competition is always better when the Cowboys are firing.

If the Cows play with the same intensity as last year they are a chance of a GF birth

JTB will probably make the bench. There has been a couple of interviews where he has been mentioned as going good on both sides of the ball. Tomorrow will tell when the teams are announced but from Paytons presser there may only be one spot on the bench if that, as he said only 3 players would back up this week and they would be named outside the 17 , Could be a surprise coming.

Yep ! Townsend has proved a perfect half within the Cowboys team set up . He has a basic role in controlling the play with a good kicking game. Deardon works well with him as his halves partner. Whilst all the extra creativity is generally provided by Drinkwater or Val . I was one who tipped them for the spoon last season. Wrong !! With the form they showed last year and with good depth of talent now, I have to tip them in the top 4 again in 2023.