LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The players are ranked by their NRL experience with their career numbers of games in brackets next to their name.
As he enters his ninth NRL season, Drinkwater remains one of the NRL's premier attacking players. The 28-year-old finished fourth in the NRL with 184 points in 2025 after taking over goal-kicking duties. He finished second in try assists with 24 and fourth with 21 linebreak assists.
The highly talented Townsville product had his season end before it began after suffering an ACL injury last December. It was the second serious knee injury for the 24-year-old, but he is set to be in the mix for the 2026 Round 1 team after being cleared to return to full training once he returns from the Christmas break.
Born in Weipa, King returns to North Queensland after a stint with the Sydney Roosters, which saw him play three NRL games. A fullback as a junior, King's first grade appearances have come in the centres.
The 19-year-old former schoolboy superstar has been elevated to the Development List for 2026. Barber missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction in the pre-season. His best position remains to be determined, but Barber has the ability to play fullback, centre, and wing.
This summary provides an overview of the Cowboys' 2026 NRL squad, focusing on the fullback positions and key players like Drinkwater, who has shown impressive stats, and the recovery of other players like Barber and King.