Hoping to erase the disappointment of the previous year, the Cowboys had some major victories in 2001, but also experienced many disappointing losses.
Injuries to key players greatly reduced the team’s ability to gather momentum.
Once again, the annual clash with Brisbane Broncos was a highlight, the Cowboys lost by just one point.
The season’s low came from a 0-62 loss to Parramatta away from home.
Mid way through the season, News Ltd took full control of the club and Assistant Coach Murray Hurst took over as Head Coach.
A milestone was reached in round 11, when Peter Jones, an original 1995 signing became the first Cowboys player to play 100 first grade games for the club.
Several victories, including a significant win over St George-Illawarra, and a last round victory over Auckland avoided the wooden spoon under the caretaker coach.
A major achievement was the selection of four Cowboys players, all North Queensland juniors, in the Queensland State of Origin squad for 2001.
The success of such representative players proved the ability of Cowboys players and gave credibility to the north.
However, the overall team performance was still a disappointing one.
Season Statistics
- Captain: Paul Bowman
- Coaches: Tim Sheens & Murray Hurst
- Principal Sponsor: CHR Employment Services
- Wins: 6, Losses: 18, Draws: 1
- Points for: 574, Points against: 771
- Top point scorer: Julian O'Neill (156)
- Finished: 13th
- Average home crowd: 13,133
Representative Players
- Paul Bowman, John Doyle, John Buttiegig & Nathan Fein: Queensland State of Origin
- Glenn Morrison: New South Wales Country Origin
