The potential for the Cowboys to be a major force in rugby league showed few signs of fruition in 2000.
There were some brilliant victories, especially at home, but by season's end little joy came from another last place in the NRL.
Significant victories over the Northern Eagles 50-10, and St George-Illawarra 50-4 were highlights of the season, however, supporters remained wondering when the undoubted potential of the team would be released on a consistent basis.
The calibre of players wearing the Cowboys colours was evident by the number of representative players emerging from the North during 2000.
Paul Bowman became the club's first home grown Queensland State of Origin player, while Tim Brasher rekindled his representative career with some brilliant performances.
Tim became only the fifth player ever to represent New South Wales from Queensland when selected for his native state while playing for the Cowboys.
Season Statistics
Captain: Noel Goldthorpe
Coach: Tim Sheens
Principal Sponsor: Overflow
Won 7, lost 19
Points for 431, points against 612
Top point scorer: Julian O'Neill 144 (3 tries, 66 goals)
Finished: 14th
Average home crowd: 15,521
Representative Players/Coaches
Paul Green, Julian O'Neill and Paul Bowman: Queensland State of Origin
Tim Brasher: New South Wales State of Origin
Murray Hurst: Coach of Tonga in World Cup
