The Mole: Cowboys facing 'tougher' season after host of big name departures

There's little doubt that the Cowboys over-achieved last season - plenty of pundits had them near the bottom of the ladder this time 12 months ago, yet they made the finals and bowed out in the second week.

But having lost their three most experienced backs - Valentine Holmes, Chad Townsend and Kyle Feldt - and failing to sign any big names to replace them, life could be tougher this time around.

They do still have classy fullback Scott Drinkwater, who was second in the league for try assists in 2024, and if he can stay healthy, the points will come.

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However it's vital that with Townsend gone, the new-look halves combination of Tom Dearden and Jake Clifford clicks.

Dearden is a class act and one of the game's best pivots, but Clifford still has some inconsistencies in his game that need to be fixed.

Clifford will be kept honest by Jaxon Purdue and Tom Duffy, who are both in the mix for a spot in the 17.

The points won't flow as freely without the three big-name departures, but there is enough class there to worry rival defences if Drinkwater is again so lethal.

Scoring wasn't really a problem for the Cowboys last season - defence was more their Achilles heel.

They had the worst points differential of the teams in the finals, due mainly to some heavy defeats throughout the year.

The pack has been boosted by three experienced campaigners - Karl Lawton (Sea Eagles), Kai O'Donnell (Leigh Leopards) and John Bateman (Wests Tigers).

I thought Bateman had a fair year in a struggling Tigers side last season and early reports on O'Donnell are very positive.

In co-captain Reuben Cotter, the Cowboys have one of the most inspirational and hard-working forwards in the NRL and he will keep the rest of the pack honest.

2025 gains: Karl Lawton (Sea Eagles), Kai O'Donnell (Leigh Leopards), Jaxson Paulo (Sea Eagles), John Bateman (Wests Tigers)

2025 losses: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins), Chad Townsend (Roosters), Jake Granville (released), Kyle Feldt (St Helens), Valentine Holmes (Dragons), Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (retired), D'Jazirhae Pua'avase (Sea Eagles)

Best buy: Bateman is a winner and a veteran forward who will fit well into a talented Cowboys pack.

Runs a good line and has fine ball skills.

It's a big season for: Reece Robson - who will need to show the Cowboys faithful he is still 100 per cent committed to the club despite signing a rich, long-term deal with the Roosters from 2026.

Biggest question mark: Will the backline still have its strike power of recent years with tryscoring aces Val Holmes and Kyle Feldt gone?

Predicted finish: 7th

Predicted 17 for round one: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Griffin Neame 16. Coen Hess 17. Thomas Mikaele

Sportsbet odds to win comp: $26