After a 66 - 24 preseason victory over Penrith, co-captain Tom Dearden singled out Reed Mahoney as a major positive addition to the Cowboys squad this year.
"Reedy has been awesome.
I think just the attitude and the way he goes after the game has really rubbed off on the rest of the playing group, and he was great tonight.
I am looking forward to playing a strong season alongside him," he shared after the match.
North Queensland fielded a full-strength lineup and clearly outplayed an undermanned Penrith side in the trial.
"Probably wasn't the strongest trial today, but was good to get a bit of the cob webs out"
Dearden highlighted the squad's focus on discipline and structure while pointing out the areas they plan to refine before the season proper.
"We have been focused on the discipline and the game, and not getting bored with what the game looks like.
I thought we did a good job of that tonight, especially that first half."
"Boys did well sticking to the processes."
With Mahoney making an immediate impact and the Cowboys showing cohesion and discipline in the trials, the performance offers an encouraging sign for the season ahead.