The Cowboys kick off an NRL season for the first time in their history and what a vital game it will be in Vegas.
After a disappointing season last year, a loss to wooden spooners Newcastle on the big stage in Sin City would be nothing short of disastrous.
Of the four teams in Vegas, the Cowboys need a win more than anyone to ease the pressure on coach Todd Payten and his players.
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And while they are firm favourites, there are alarm bells.
Boom young centre Tom Chester is out for the year with an ACL tear, prop Griffin Neame is likely to be also missing and question marks remain over their defence.
North Queensland will need to revitalise themselves after last season. Getty
With match-winning playmakers Scott Drinkwater and Tom Dearden, the Cowboys have little trouble putting points on the board.
But defence was a real problem last year as the team leaked a mammoth 684 points – their fourth worst defensive season ever.
With Neame potentially missing due to injury, the steady Jordan McLean retired and 33-year-old Jason Taumalolo past his best, the Cowboys’ middle looks a little weak heading into the new season and that’s an area the Knights will certainly test.
The saviour could be Bulldogs discard Reed Mahoney at hooker – one player with a real point to prove in 2026.
And while he comes in for a big name in hooker Reece Robson, I think he may actually add more to the Cowboys’ attack than the Blues State of Origin No.9.
Reed Mahoney in action for the Cowboys. NRL Imagery
Cheeky and quick out of dummy half, Mahoney can get the Cowboys going forward while also putting the opposition on tilt with his gamesmanship.
Jake Clifford looked good in the pre-season to secure the No.6 jumper and if he can take some of the heat off the brilliant Dearden, the Cowboys could prove a surprise packet.
Gains: Matthew Lodge (Sea Eagles), Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs), James Walsh (Dolphins)
Losses: Tom Duffy (Broncos), Karl Lawton (Hull Kingston Rovers), Nicholas Lenaz (Townsville Blackhawks), Jordan McLean (retired), Reece Robson (Roosters), Semi Valemei (Castleford Tigers)
Best buy: Without doubt the jack in the box hooker Mahoney. He reads the play well from dummy half and can put a man through a gap. Not as good defensively as Robson, the man he replaces, but has more tricks in attack.
It’s a big season for: If the Cowboys are to improve on their poor 2025 season, Scott Drinkwater needs to lead the way. His try assist numbers are among the highest in the league over the past two seasons and his combination with Dearden can win many games.
Biggest question mark: The big men with McLean retired, Neame injured and JT getting older … there is not a lot of fear factor up front. One youngster who could step up to save the situation is is Kaiden Lahrs – a giant forward with a huge future.
Kaiden Lahrs. Â NRL Imagery
Finish last year: 12th
Predicted finish: 15th
Predicted 19 for round one:
1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Murray Taulagi
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Robert Derby
6. Jake Clifford
7. Tom Dearden
8. Jason Taumalolo
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Coen Hess
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
Interchange
14. Kai O’Donnell
15. Heilum Luki
16. Thomas Mikaele
17. Sam McIntyre
18. Braidon Burns
19. Kaiden Lahrs
Odds to win comp: $34
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