The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have finalised the club’s coaching and performance staff for the 2025 NRL season.
Steve Sheppard joins incumbent assistant coaches Justin Morgan and Ben Rauter as Todd Payten’s chief deputies for 2025.
Sheppard has had a long apprenticeship in the Cowboys coaching system, including stints as NYC Assistant Coach, which was also under Payten, and most recently as Head Coach of Elite Pathways. He was also previously a Head Coach at Queensland Cup level with the Mackay Cutters.
Brett O’Farrell also joins the staff as an Assistant Coach, specialising in contact. O’Farrell has an extensive resume in rugby league with stops at the Titans, Warriors, Eels and Broncos as well as the Wallabies.
Paul Bowman continues his role as Head of Performance.
Englishman Dan Grange joins the club as Head of Strength. Grange has previously spent time at the Leeds Rhinos in the UK Super League and most recently at Gloucester Rugby, who play in England’s topflight rugby union competition.
Ash Graham continues his strength and conditioning role, specialising in rehab, but has also transitioned into a physiotherapy role under long time Head Physiotherapist Steve Sartori.
Mitch Pemberton continues as the club’s Sports Scientist.
“It’s always exciting to add exceptional skillsets to our staffing group which we believe we’ve done with Dan, Brett and Steve,” Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said.
“We look forward to what they will add to our program, not just through their expertise, but also from an energy and culture perspective.”
