ethos
BroncoKiwi
2009 Season Preview - North Queensland Cowboys
February 6th 2009 02:20
Category: Opinion
NRL fans were robbed of Matt Bowen’s brilliance in 2008 but the little man is back. And the fullback’s return signals the return of the Cowboys chances.
The boys from the north were unenthusiastic last year, finishing fifteenth by the end, but I expect them to bounce back in a big way in 2009. The club has recruited extremely well. Ex-Canberra, and current Queensland assistant coach, Neil Henry is regarded as one of the best tacticians in the game and will provide a stable gameplan to compliment the natural attacking flair of Johnathan Thurston and Bowen. Further attacking strike will come from new centre Willie Tonga. The former Origin representative suffered reoccurring injuries at the Bulldogs in recent times but all reports suggest he’s back to full fitness. At his best, Tonga is lethal.
However, the big test will come during Origin when the likes of Bowen, Tonga, Thurston, Antonio Kaufusi, Carl Webb and Luke O’Donnell could all be missing from the side. But the North Queensland management has also taken that into account, with halfback Grant Rovelli, outside back Shannon Hegarty and utility Clint Amos set to play a key role in their first season in Townsville. Also, young backrower Troyden Watene is a huge talent and one to watch in the coming seasons.
I really like the balance and depth of the Cowboys’ squad this season – intelligent coach, strong forwards, creative halves and attacking options in the backline. There’s no reason why they can’t finish in the top four and, if things fall their way, perhaps an inaugural premiership could be on its way up north.
Gains:
Luke Harlen (Tigers ), Willie Tonga (Bulldogs - 2012), Manase Manuokafoa (Rabbitohs - 2011), Clint Amos (Titans - 2010), Antonio Kaufusi (Storm - 2011), Donald Malone (QLD Cup - Ipswich Jets - 2010), Jared Kahu (U20s - Broncos), Troyden Watene (U20s - Broncos), Steve Rapira (Warriors), Germain Paulson (signed with feeder side Northern Pride from the Rabbitohs), Rod Jensen (signed with feeder side Northern Pride from the Huddersfield Giants), Grant Rovelli (Warriors - 2010), Shannon Hegarty (Rabbitohs - 2009)
Losses:
Jacob Lillyman (Warriors), Ray Cashmere (ESL - Salford City Reds), Sione Faumuina (ESL - Castleford Tigers), Mark Henry (ESL - Salford City Reds), Justin Smith (retirement), Ryan Carr (Tigers), Jackson Nicolau (Titans)
Predicted line-up:
1. Matt Bowen 2. Ty Williams 3. Ashley Graham 4. Willie Tonga 5. John Williams 6. Travis Burns 7. Johnathan Thurston (c) 8. Antonio Kaufusi 9. Aaron Payne 10. Carl Webb 11. Steve Southern 12. Luke O’Donnell 13. Ben Harris
Interchange: 14. Anthony Watts 15. Shane Tronc 16. Manase Manuokafoa 17. Matt Scott
Predicted Finish:
1st-4th
...
Coming up next.. South Sydney Rabbitohs!
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Comment by Anonymous
Comment by ethos
NRL Live
Yeah I went out on a bit of limb with the Cowboys. It was a risky pick, and yours is probably closer to where they will finish, but if they can keep Bowen and Thurston on the park you never know.
One or two injuries to their playmakers and they will struggle, as is the case with most teams though.