2021 North Queensland Cowboys season
The 2021 North Queensland Cowboys season was the 27th in the club's history. 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. He became the club's eighth full-time head coach and their 10th overall. On 16 December 2020, Taumalolo was named as co-captain of the club alongside Morgan. The club endured another disappointing season in 2021, missing the finals  for the fourth consecutive year. Season summary. On 9 April , co-captain Michael Morgan announced his immediate retirement from rugby league due to an ongoing shoulder injury. Fixtures. Pre-season. On 13 February, the Cowboys played the Townsville Blackhawks in an unofficial hour-long scrimmage match in Ayr. Representatives. The following players have played a representative match in 2021.