Coached by Todd Payten and captained by Jason Taumalolo, they competed in the NRL's 2021 Telstra Premiership.
The 2021 season was the Cowboys' first under Payten, who joined the club from the New Zealand Warriors on a three-year deal.
[3] The club endured another disappointing season in 2021, missing the finals for the fourth consecutive year.
[4] On 9 April, co-captain Michael Morgan announced his immediate retirement from rugby league due to an ongoing shoulder injury.
[5] Head coach Assistant coaches Updated: 27 August 2021Source(s): NQ Cowboys On 13 February, the Cowboys played the Townsville Blackhawks in an unofficial hour-long scrimmage match in Ayr.