North Queensland Cowboys Unveil Star-Studded Coaching Lineup for 2025 NRL Season

The North Queensland Cowboys have announced their coaching and football staff lineup for the 2025 NRL season, unveiling several key appointments to bolster the team’s performance and development.

Todd Payten will continue as head coach, supported by assistant coaches Ben Rauter and Justin Morgan, who will be joined by new additions Brett O’Farrell and Steve Sheppard. O’Farrell, a former front-rower for the Melbourne Storm, brings extensive expertise as a contact specialist, with experience across several top-tier teams, including the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, New Zealand Warriors, Parramatta Eels, and even the Wallabies. His appointment promises to enhance the team’s physicality and on-field strategies.

Steve Sheppard, with over 15 years of coaching experience, re-joins the Cowboys after serving as their Under-20 assistant coach and leading the Mackay Cutters in the QLD Cup. More recently, he worked as the Cowboys’ Head Coach of Elite Pathways, mentoring young talents like Jamal Shibasaki and Jaxon Purdue. Sheppard’s deep understanding of the club’s culture and development systems is expected to provide continuity and growth.

Another exciting addition is Englishman Dan Grange, named Head of Strength and Conditioning. A former rugby union player, Grange has honed his craft with Leeds Rhinos and Gloucester Rugby, bringing a wealth of expertise in athletic performance.

Former Cowboys players Ashley Graham and Paul Bowman retain their positions on the coaching staff, with Bowman as Head of Performance and Graham contributing to strength, conditioning, and physiotherapy.

Cowboys General Manager of Football, Micheal Luck, expressed confidence in the new appointments, emphasizing their skill, energy, and cultural impact. This refreshed staff lineup signals a strong push for success in 2025.