Darren Lockyer slams Cowboys after flogging by Sharks: Questions players’ attitude and aggression

Rugby league legend Darren Lockyer has not held back in his criticism of the North Queensland Cowboys after their dismal performance against the Cronulla Sharks, labeling their effort as lacking “attitude” and “aggression.”

The Cowboys were thrashed 42-6 by the Sharks, with Todd Payten’s side missing a staggering 39 tackles and committing 12 errors in what can only be described as a disasterclass at Shark Park.

Lockyer specifically called out the club’s forward pack and singled out experienced players like Jason Taumalolo, who has struggled to find his form in the 2024 season. Taumalolo’s minutes have been reduced to just 35 per game, a far cry from his average of 61 minutes in 2020, despite being one of the highest-paid players in the league.

“When they’re on, they are as good as any team in the competition, but they just have these lapses,” Lockyer said on WWOS. “They are lacking an 80-minute performance and a bit of aggression. They are doing their job, but they are not doing it with purpose.”

Lockyer also highlighted the Cowboys’ lack of punch in the middle of the park, prompting Payten to make a significant bench switch ahead of Round 8. Griffin Neame has been named in the starting side, while Taumalolo has been relegated to the bench alongside Thomas Mikaele, who will make his club debut.

The former Queensland and Australian captain emphasized the importance of intensity and physicality in the game, urging the older players to take it personally and lead by example on the field.

“It starts with the front-row and works its way back down the scrum from there,” Lockyer explained. “If you get off the line with purpose and want to be physical, you will bring the rest of the team up with you.”

The Cowboys will need to heed Lockyer’s advice and show a significant improvement in their upcoming matches if they want to turn their season around and avoid further embarrassment on the field.