The Cowboys are desperate to kick‑start their 2026 campaign when they host the Gold Coast Titans in Townsville on Sunday night, with both Queensland sides still searching for their first win of the season. North Queensland’s start has been far from ideal, returning from Vegas winless before suffering a heavy defeat to the Tigers last week.
Co‑captain Tom Dearden says the side has “no excuses” for their opening rounds and knows a strong performance at home is crucial to turning things around. The Cowboys will be boosted by the return of fellow co‑captain Reuben Cotter, adding much‑needed punch through the middle.
The Titans arrive in a similar position, also winless and hungry to get their season moving. They could regain livewire halfback Jayden Campbell, adding another layer of danger to the Queensland derby.
Hooker Reed Mahoney says the Cowboys aren’t expecting anything easy, with both teams fighting to avoid a 0–3 start. Dearden believes a win on Sunday could be the spark North Queensland needs to reset their season and build momentum heading into the next block of games
