Strong start for Cowboys fades; Raiders surprise with unexpected success despite injuries. Questions for Cowboys.
The Cowboys started the year flying out of the blocks, winning their first three games and mimicking the purple patch they enjoyed in the middle of their 2023 campaign.
The strong start wasn't maintained, however, as the side riddled with Origin stars has slumped to a lowly twelfth, with questions on Todd Payten's future getting louder, particularly following their 42-12 defeat to the underdog Warriors in round 15.
Canberra come off the bye, enjoying the two points catapulting them into fifth, in a season where Ricky Stuart's men defied expectations to be seven wins from thirteen games, despite niggling injuries to some of their stars. The tenacious competitors continue to write off the critics, but the Cowboys can be unpredictable, and despite their success, the Raiders have a habit of dropping games they should win.