Wellington Cowboys face leadership changes and instability but aim to keep all teams in 2026.

The Wellington Cowboys are undergoing a leadership transition as captain-coach Justin Toomey-White plans to leave after the 2025 season, with no intention to reapply for the role in 2026. Former NRL player Blake Ferguson is also expected to depart. The club has seen two presidents resign in recent months, prompting concerns about stability, but vice president Tony Wilson, likely to be elected president, is urging community involvement and emphasizing a forward-looking approach. Despite challenges including player shortages and failed junior teams, the club remains committed to fielding all four grades in 2026 and preserving its place in the Peter McDonald Premiership, criticizing the competition’s treatment of smaller clubs.