Johnathan Thurston backs Cowboys coach Todd Payten as fans reveal how they would fix team’s 2025 season

A Cowboys legend has revealed what he think is going wrong with the team’s game as fans give their two cents on how to fix it.

Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston still believes coach Todd Payten is the man for the job, despite a disaster start to the season.

Speaking to Triple M’s Marto, Margaux and Dan on Friday morning, the former captain said there had been a lot of changes in the Cowboys line-up this year after Kyle Feldt and Valentines Holmes leaving the club.

“Edge defence is so crucial you’ve got to make so many decisions,” Thurston said.

“We need a little patience with the Cowboys at the moment; with the combinations right, the coach (Todd Payten) has pulled the trigger on a couple of the boys over the first couple of rounds, so no one’s safe.”

In the first two rounds of the season, the Cowboys went down 42-12 to Manly and 36-12 to the Sharks at home.

Todd Payten, Head Coach of the Cowboys speaks to media during the 2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge match between Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys at Casey Fields on February 23, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Major changes occurred to the Cowboys line-up in the off season with Jake Granville, Chad Townsend, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Feldt and Holmes all leaving the club.

In addition to this, Heilum Luki suffered a season-ending injury before the trial games.

Fans have been vocal about issues with Payten’s team decisions, including the controversial move to dump Origin star Jeremiah Nanai to reserve grade for a game.

“I still believe Toddy is the man for the job to move them forward. He’s got my full support, and I’m sure the full support of the club, they’ll turn it around, but it’s going to take some time and some patience,” Thurston said.

Johnathan Thurston at the Property Congress, hosted by the Property Council of Australia during a Q and A session with Jess Caire at the Townsville Entertainment Centre, October 24, 2024.

A number of armchair experts have revealed how they think the Cowboys could turn their season around, with one saying Nanai and Hess were ‘deadset ordinary’.

“Where is the middle when they are needed?” fan Michael said.

“Nanai and Hess are deadset ordinary. NO GO FORWARD. NO STING IN DEFENCE.”

After Duffy was dropped ahead of the Cowboys game against the Broncos, Jenny said he wasn’t the problem.

“Can’t do his job if forwards aren’t winning the battle upfront,” she said.

“Bateman was biggest metre gainer and I think he was under 100 metres last week.”

Terry just said: “Payten is past his use-by-date.”

But Don was more than happy to be proved wrong.

“I for one, hope the Cowboys can prove me and all the naysayers wrong and not only win but go on with it deep into the season,” Don said.

“Use all these negative comments for fuel for their fire! It remains to be seen. The coach has an almighty job ahead of him. One he will struggle to keep if they don’t turn things around soon.”

Jeremiah Nanai of the Cowboys is tackled during the round one NRL match between Manly Sea Eagles and North Queensland Cowboys at 4 Pines Park, on March 08, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Anthony said he wasn't expecting an “instant turnaround”.

“but it was obvious at end of last season that Clifford adds something to the team so it will be interesting to see how the team changes,” he said.

“Clifford has a massive boot on him and his ability to cannon a kick from our 22 metre line to the other end of the field takes huge amount of pressure off the team. When Clifford plays we rarely get stuck in our own half.

The North Queensland Cowboys have visited Cairns to launch their 30th anniversary jersey, which will be worn for the 2025 NRL season. North Queensland Cowboys player Jake Clifford launches the club's 30 year jersey at the Cairns Esplanade lagoon. Picture: Brendan Radke

“The other big issue is Clifford is a big body and a good defender (he regularly has zero misses). Also looking forward to Laybutt returning, before his injury he was having a real presence in attack and defence. Hopefully he will get an injury free run.”

James, who described himself as a Broncos fan, said this was a “danger game”.

“Cowboys always aim up in the local derby especially at Suncorp,” he said.

“Clifford has more experience and is an out and out halfback compared to Dearden and Duffy. Nanai will be better impacting off the bench and Taumalolo presence among the team will give them confidence.

“Broncos should win, but will not be surprised if they can not hold possession, Walsh over plays his hand trying to amend last week and costs them the game.”

Originally published as Johnathan Thurston backs Cowboys coach Todd Payten as fans reveal how they would fix team’s 2025 season