Darren Lockyer has called out the North Queensland forward pack for a "lack of aggression" after a horrendous showing against the Sharks.
One of the premiership favourites heading into the season, the Cowboys slipped to another defeat on Sunday, blown off the park 42-6 on the road against Cronulla.
Their performance was headlined by 39 missed tackles and 12 errors, while the continued fall from grace for Jason Taumalolo was on full display once again.
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The powerhouse 2016 Dally M Medal winner managed just five carries for 43 metres against the Sharks, with his limited impact and minutes a major concern.
The absence of Heilum Luki in recent weeks has hurt the Cowboys, while the season-ending injury to Coen Hess has also left a gaping hole in the middle of the field.
Speaking on Nine's QLDER, Lockyer expressed his disappointment with the side's intensity and even questioned their attitude in defence.
"When they're on, they are as good as any team in the competition and particularly their attack – but they just have these lapses," he said.
"They are lacking an 80-minute performance, we have already said that, but they are also lacking a bit of aggression. They are doing their job, but they are not doing it with purpose and I think that's telling, particularly when you're up against a good team.
"There are people that are capable, but the physicality is not there. I just feel like some of the older guys need to just take a bit more personal.
"When they are out there on the field, they need to show some intensity. It starts with the front-row and works its way back down the scrum from there.
"A lot of it comes down to attitude … if you get that intensity and get off the line with some purpose and want to be physical, you will bring the rest of the team up with you."
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Todd Payten has opted for a few changes to the Cowboys line-up heading into round eight, with Thomas Mikaele included on the bench and Griffin Neame promoted to the starting front-row position as they continue to manage Taumalolo's fitness.
However, the job won't get any easier for North Queensland, with a showdown against reigning premiers Penrith – who will welcome back Nathan Cleary – on the docket.
"A lot of people will be into the Cowboys this week and kicking them down while it hurts, and they are up against arguably the best team in the competition," Lockyer said.
"It's also Kyle Feldt's 200th [game], so there is plenty of motivation.
"I reckon they will play well."
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