Under new head coach, former New Zealand, Queensland, Manly and Wigan boss Graham Lowe, the club recruited fairly strongly bringing in first grade regulars Jason Death (from Canberra) and Andrew Dunemann (from Gold Coast), former All Black Shane Howarth and New Zealand representatives Se'e Solomona and Whetu Taewa.
Due to the ongoing Super League war, the clubs affiliated with the breakaway competition refused to participate in their Round 1 games, with the Cowboys' opening fixture, against fellow Super League-aligned club the Canterbury Bulldogs, cancelled.
After four straight losses, the Cowboys ended the season in their strongest form to date, with three wins from their final six games.
The club made headlines during the season when Moranbah junior Josh Hannay was named to make his first grade debut at just 16-years old.
Had he played, he would have been the second youngest player to make his senior debut in Australian rugby league history.