North Queensland Cowboys NRLW coach Ricky Henry has broken his silence following a significant player exodus from the club's women's program, defending his management approach while acknowledging the challenges ahead.
Addressing the Player Turnover
The Cowboys have experienced a substantial roster shakeup with eight players departing the club, including several high-profile names. Among those leaving are co-captains Shakiah Tungai and Tallisha Harden, along with key players Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly, Krystal Blackwell, and Sareka Mooka.
Henry addressed the situation directly, stating he understands why questions are being raised about the team's direction. "When you lose that many players, people are going to ask questions," Henry told the Townsville Bulletin. "But we're confident in our approach and the players we're bringing in."
Rebuilding for 2025 Season
Despite the significant losses, Henry remains optimistic about the team's future. The coach revealed that the club has already secured 15 players for the 2025 NRLW season, providing a solid foundation for rebuilding.
Emma Manzelmann and Viena Tinao are among the confirmed returnees, offering experience and leadership to the evolving squad. Henry emphasized that player movement is a natural part of professional sports, particularly in the growing NRLW competition.
The coach explained that some departures were due to players seeking opportunities closer to home or for personal reasons, while others reflected the club's strategic decisions about team composition and development needs.
Looking Forward with Confidence
Henry defended his player management philosophy, stressing that building a competitive NRLW team requires making difficult decisions. "We have a clear vision for where we want to take this program," he said. "Sometimes that means making tough calls that might not be popular in the short term."
The Cowboys coach pointed to the emerging talent in North Queensland and the club's development pathways as reasons for optimism. He believes the changes will ultimately strengthen the team's position in the competition.
"We're building something sustainable here," Henry stated. "The players we're bringing in align with our culture and the style of football we want to play."
With preseason preparations already underway, Henry and his coaching staff are focused on integrating new players while maintaining the core values that define the Cowboys organization. The coach remains confident that when the 2025 NRLW season begins, the team will be competitive and continue to represent North Queensland with pride.
