North Queensland Cowboys announce eleven player departures for the 2027 season

The North Queensland Cowboys will part ways with eleven players at the conclusion of the 2026 NRL season. The list of departures includes Jaxson Paulo, Mason Barber, John Bateman, Sam McIntyre, and Scott Drinkwater, who is moving to the St George Illawarra Dragons. Murray Taulagi and Villiami Vailea are transitioning to rugby union, while Wiremu Greig and Zac Herdegen are exiting the club without confirmed 2027 contracts. Harrison Edwards previously exited the club for the Parramatta Eels earlier this year, and Matthew Lodge transferred to the Leeds Rhinos in August. This roster turnover follows a 50-30 loss to the Canberra Raiders to end the regular season. The Cowboys are scheduled to play the Cronulla Sharks at Allianz Stadium in Week 1 of the finals.

• 11:02 PMZero Tackle NRL — Cowboys list ELEVEN player departures in 2026