Coached by Graham Murray and captained by Paul Bowman, they competed in the NRL's 2003 Telstra Premiership.
Their key signings included premiership-winning back rower Kevin Campion, New Zealand international prop Paul Rauhihi and journeyman utility David Myles.
Following a solid end to the 2002 season, the new year started brightly for the club, as they won six games from the first 12 rounds to sit inside the Top 8.
The season ended strongly once again, with three wins from their final four games to secure a second consecutive 11th place finish, four competition points outside the Top 8.
During the season Matt Sing became the first Cowboy to represent Australia, when selected for their July Test match against New Zealand.