Buoyed by an overseas trip and time away from rugby league, North Queensland coach Todd Payten says the Cowboys still don't give "a rat's arse" about outside expectations.
Payten needed a break to fully process their harrowing preliminary final loss last season, but the coach won't let lofty expectations impact his side as they seek to go one game further this year.
He went to the United States during the off-season, witnessing operations in sporting organisations, and it made clear to him the advantages North Queensland have as a club.
The business of American sports and athletes fighting for individual contracts emphasises to him the importance of local pathways and providing opportunities for players in their region.
Many of the Cowboys' emerging stars in 2022 are local products, which hit home for the coach entering his third year in charge.
All played pivotal roles in a stunning turnaround by the club in 2022 when they finished third, before the disappointing 24-20 home preliminary loss to the Eels ended their season.
Payten says he's digested that loss and won't let speculation about their success impact the club this year.
"We have our own expectations," Payten told AAP.
"We didn't give a rat's arse what was said outside the building last year and that's not going to change.
"There's still an appetite for work and we're not happy with the way things finished.
"There's always pressure with my job but I don't think it's any more or less than it was 12 months ago or 12 months before that.
"I'm going into the season relaxed knowing that we know who we are, and we know what we're doing works. We've just got to do it for longer."
The Cowboys will welcome back significant reinforcements this season with Mitch Dunn and Heilum Luki on track for round four returns following ACL tears.
Luki was tipped for a Queensland State of Origin debut prior to his injury in round 14 and will re-join a pack brimming with international and representative experience.
Veterans Jason Taumalolo, Jordan McLean and James Tamou are joined by emerging stars in Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai and Reece Robson at hooker.
Robson's development in the nine jumper is imperative to the flare their spine provides with Chad Townsend, Tom Dearden and Scott Drinkwater.
But one player Payten tipped to turn heads in 2023 is young New Zealander Griffin Neame, who notched 17 appearances last year and is signed through 2025 with the club.
Neame is one of a number of young talents committed to the Cowboys long-term, but one man is still yet to sign the dotted line past 2023.
Payten is in his final year of a three-year deal and said an extension is close.
"10 years," Payten joked when about about what deal he wants.
"It's not far away. The club know how much I enjoy being here and they want me here.
"Everyone has played their part - players, staff, administration, for me to be able to sign an extension so once that gets started, we'll sit down and map out the next pieces that need to happen."
