The immediate focus for North Queensland is causing an NRL upset against Canberra on Saturday.
But Cowboys coach Todd Payten says their longer-term ambition is continuing to improve their roster after the signing of halfback Chad Townsend.
North Queensland this week announced a long-term deal with Cronulla's premiership winner Townsend - with the playmaker expected to play a pivotal role from 2022 in nurturing their young talent and leading the side with his experience.
While this season may still be in its early stages, the Cowboys are actively looking for the next generation of talent to take the club back into the finals conversation.
"We've got to keep one eye on what's happening at the moment and obviously about what's happening next year," Payten said.
"There's always things going on but, again, it's not something that I'm willing to publicly comment on.
"But we are in the market for good people and players to come to our club."
Round seven of the NRL has special significance for Payten as he's tasked to out-wit former teammate and coach Ricky Stuart.
Payten was teammates with Stuart at the Raiders before playing under him at the Sydney Roosters in 2003.
The Cowboys coach, in his first year with the club, said he has picked up some of Stuart traits but has developed his own style.
"I've got a couple of blow-ups like Ricky," Payten said.
"I don't try and mirror my coaching on anyone but I'd like to think I've taken the best parts out of the coaches I've worked with and been coached by.
"Knowing how Ricky coaches (this weekend) it will be the Raiders against the world."
Rain is forecast for Saturday evening's showdown in Townsville and Payten expects a tough contest from a Canberra outfit reeling from a shock drubbing at home to Parramatta in round six.
"We expect them to play through the middle and we'll be looking do the same," he said.
"Conditions will probably add to that, which makes our kicking game all the more important.
"So ball control, field position and kicking game is paramount.
"He'll (Stuart) have them revved up and expect them to run off the back fence and frothing at the mouth, so from kick-off we have to be ready to for their fast start."
