With the ‘hit and giggle' trail matches and the arduous pre-season training regimes now behind each team, fans, coaches, and players alike have set their sights on the real deal – Round 1.

For some clubs, the pre-season period could not have panned out better, whilst the unlucky remainder will be counting the cost of their campaigns.

Although there were a myriad of positives to be taken from the summer months, all teams will be striving to improve on their trail match form and learn from the lessons dealt out across them.

With the first spin of the Steeden within touching distance, we raise the big question that face each of the NRL's 16 clubs.

Back
Next

North Queensland Cowboys

Is it too early to ask for consistency?

After turning down the Warriors' top job, Todd Payten flew north to tackle the task of steering Townsville's team back into the finals.

Like any new coach, a brief honeymoon period is likely to be afforded to the 42-year-old, but with a solid playing list that he has already begun to leave his mark on, how long will this blissful state last?

There is no denying that Payten has a classy roster at his disposal, with names like Michael Morgan, Scott Drinkwater, Valentine Holmes and the rampaging Jason Taumalolo in his starting 13.

The new coach has already left his DNA on selection by shuffling his deck. Jake Clifford now partners Morgan in the halves, Drinkwater wears one and Holmes has a new home on a wing.

Due to Payten's ideology being evident on the team sheet and the fantastic names from top to bottom, Cows fans should be bullish about a return to September and demanding as much is not out of the question.

Back
Next