NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

FULLBACK

SCOTT DRINKWATER

WFB $669K (46 BE)

Huge but inconsistent in 2022. Hard to bet on him again, particularly at the price.

PROJECTION: 42-47 PPG

WINGER

KYLE FELDT

WFB $439K (31 BE)

Churns out a 34 average like its going out of fashion.

PROJECTION: 31-33 PPG

CENTRE

VALENTINE HOLMES

CTR $620K (43 BE)

After a breakout 2022 campaign, at first glance we saw Holmes with his value tapped. That may have just been the tip of the iceberg, and with centre such a tough position he is one to consider as a gun.

PROJECTION: 47-52 PPG

CENTRE

PETA HIKU

CTR $510K (35 BE)

Good player, not good fantasy option at this starting price. Expect more of the same from Hiku in 2023.

PROJECTION: 33-36 PPG

WINGER

MURRAY TAULAGI

WFB $529K (36 BE)

Good player, not good fantasy option after a huge price rise in 2022.

PROJECTION: 36-39 PPG

FIVE-EIGHTH

TOM DEARDEN

HLF $638K (44 BE)

Origin cult hero, Fantasy zero unfortunately. If you picked him up last year at the start, we would be checking you for psychic powers.

PROJECTION: 43-48 PPG

HALFBACK

CHAD TOWNSEND

HLF $550K (38 BE)

Great hair, not great fantasy option with the emergence of Dearden and Drinkwater, and the massive nerf to the kick metre scoring last year.

PROJECTION: 36-41 PPG

PROP

JASON TAUMALOLO

$630K (43 BE)

International hero, Fantasy zero unfortunately. It honestly feels weird seeing him at this price, with every instinct telling you he is a trap but that little voice in your mind saying “what if”.

PROJECTION: 44-48 PPG

PROP

JORDAN MCLEAN

MID $448K (31 BE)

McLean is no longer a big minute player, but more impact and leadership.

PROJECTION: 30-34 PPG

LOCK

REUBEN COTTER

MID $744K (51 BE)

Reuben Cotter announced himself to the Rugby League world in a big way in 2022, and this particular genie won’t be put back in a bottle now. Cotter looks set to resume his 60+ minute role, which should give him a small value uptick based on his starting price, but with so many good options in the MID position he might be one you can pick up down the track.

PROJECTION: 53-58 PPG

EDGE

JEREMIAH NANAI

EDG $645K (44 BE)

Origin cult hero, Fantasy zero for 2023 after a massive breakout campaign in 2022. Just doesn’t have the base stats to move to gun status.

PROJECTION: 40-42 PPG

EDGE/PROP

COEN HESS

MID $479K (33 BE)

Good player, not good fantasy option in this no frills middle forward role for the Cowboys. Likely starts the season in the Gilbert role from 2022.

PROJECTION: 30-34 PPG

HOOKER

REECE ROBSON

HOK $783K (54 BE)

Another one we missed on the first pass, Robson looks set to provide a combination of consistency, value and availability for overall coaches who want a gun hooker to start the season.

PROJECTION: 54-58 PPG

EDGE (VIA THE BENCH)

JACK GOSIEWSKI

MID/(EDG?) $264K (18 BE)

With Luciano Leilua in the naughty corner and Helium Luki not quite ready to go, the Cowboys edge forward depth will likely be tested early. Mitch Dunn is seen more as a middle forward now, but with he and newcomer Jack Gosiewski as the two main options until Luki is fit, we think Gosiewski will get the nod and could provide an interesting cash generation option if Luki is delayed. IF.

PROJECTION: 30-35 PPG

PROP

JAMES TAMOU

MID $573K (39 BE)

Returns home to Townsville from time away at the Panthers and Tigers, but not to fantasy relevance.

PROJECTION: 28-32 PPG

BENCH FORWARD

GRIFFIN NEAME

MID $372K (25 BE)

Had some strong performances in 2022, but just too many minutes in this Cowboys pack.

PROJECTION: 22-24 PPG

UTILITY

JAKE GRANVILLE

HOK $250K (17 BE)

Backline cover and some random middle or hooker mins is not the fantasy aim.

PROJECTION: 10-15 PPG