The North Queensland Cowboys are shaking things up in a big way, and it’s got everyone talking. After a disappointing season that fell short of expectations, the Cowboys are hitting the reset button with a major overhaul of their coaching staff, aiming to reclaim their spot as premiership contenders. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this bold move enough to turn their fortunes around, or are they simply shuffling the deck chairs on a sinking ship? Let’s dive in.
Ahead of the 2026 NRL season, the Cowboys have made some high-profile additions to their coaching team, signaling a clear intent to rebuild and refocus. Among the new faces is Blake Green, a highly sought-after young coach who was previously linked to the Newcastle Knights’ head coaching role before Justin Holbrook took the reins. Instead, Green has joined the Cowboys as an assistant coach under Todd Payten, bringing with him a wealth of experience both on and off the field. But here’s the part most people miss: Green’s reputation for connecting with players and his passion for individual development could be the game-changer the Cowboys need. As Cowboys GM of Football Michael Luck put it, “Blake is a huge addition… his connection to the playing group and appetite for helping individuals improve will be a terrific addition to our program.”
Another standout addition is Paul Wellens, the former St Helens head coach, who joins the Cowboys as an assistant. Wellens is no stranger to success, having been part of five grand-final winning Super League squads as a player and racking up 60 victories in 95 matches during his three-year tenure as head coach of the Saints. Here’s the controversial question: Can a coach with such a strong Super League background seamlessly transition to the NRL, or will there be a learning curve? Luck seems confident, praising Wellens as “a winner and a competitor” with extensive experience that the club is “thrilled to secure.”
Rounding out the new coaching staff is ___ Singe, a seasoned veteran with over two decades of NRL experience, including two premierships with the Manly Sea Eagles and international success with the New Zealand Kiwis. His wealth of knowledge and winning pedigree are expected to bring a new level of expertise to the team. Additionally, Jonathan Crawley has been appointed as a full-time physiotherapist, and Jordan McLean, the retired front-rower and eight-time Australian international, will stay with the club in a non-playing role as a transitions coach. And this is the part most people miss: McLean’s technical smarts and defensive prowess as a player are exactly what the Cowboys hope he’ll pass on to the younger squad members. As Luck noted, “Jordan has a tremendous amount to offer as a coach… we’re looking for him to instill those qualities in our playing group.”
So, what do you think? Are the Cowboys on the right track with these bold coaching changes, or is there still work to be done? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on whether this revamped staff can lead the Cowboys back to the top.
