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A combination of veteran leadership and the exuberance of youth could be the catalyst to a successful NRL season for North Queensland.

North Queensland will enter the 2021 NRL season spurred on by their dynamic squad which includes a combination of eager youth and veteran leadership.

In the lead up to their first pre-season match against the Townsville Blackhawks, winger Kyle Feldt says working with the younger players is one of the Cowboys' keys to success this year.

"I wouldn't say I'm going to take them under my wing, as we're jostling for spots out there... but it's important to try and mentor them like the other boys mentored me when I was coming up through the ranks" the 29-year-old Feldt said.

"I remember when I was a young fella coming up and looking up to all the outside backs as well, so it's pretty cool."

The Cowboys this season will be led by co-captains Michael Morgan and Jason Taumololo, with a combined 392 NRL games of experience.

For other seasoned veterans like Jake Granville, finding the balance between a senior player and competing for match-day spots is a welcome challenge.

"It keeps me a bit younger I suppose and you can always learn off someone, depending on their age and bounce a few ideas of them and help them - and that helped me also," Granville said.

"It's really healthy for us and it shows healthy signs for the club this year."

The Cowboys will have their first hit-out of the year under new coach Todd Payten this weekend.