Will Evans2010 Preview - North Queensland Cowboys
December 14th 2009 08:19
North Queensland Cowboys
Besides perhaps only the Warriors, North Queensland were the biggest disappointments of 2009. The Cowboys faded badly to lose six of the last eight games and crash out of finals contention after sitting snugly in fifth place after Round 18. They had recovered from a poor start that sent the rumour mill into overdrive about a rift between coach Neil Henry and captain Jonhnathan Thurston. The inspirational skipper was outstanding in 2009, but he needs far more support if the club is to return to September football for the first time since 2007. Thurston’s contract negotiations for beyond next season are looming over the Cowboys and any decision to move on could have a derisive effect on the squad that relies so heavily upon him.
Strengths: In Thurston the Cowboys have arguably the NRL’s most influential player, and with Willie Tonga and Matt Bowen he has world-class strike players outside him. The star trio scored 35 of North Queensland’s 98 tries in 2009. Hooker Aaron Payne’s combination with Thurston and Bowen is vital to the Cowboys’ chances.
Weaknesses: Since his arrival in 2005, North Queensland has struggled to settle on a halves partner for Thurston. Travis Burns and Grant Rovelli shared the role in 2009 with mixed results. Burns’s departure leaves Rovelli and fiery utility Anthony Watts as the only experienced options for the No. 6 jersey.
Comings and Goings: One of the quietest clubs on the player trade market, the Cowboys only signings of note are pint-sized fullback Shannon Gallant and the Ah Mau brothers, Leeson and Isaak, who have played just six first grade game between them. Hulking prop Shane Tronc’s loss to Wakefield will be keenly felt, while Burns will look to reignite his career with the Panthers after a difficult two-year stint in Townsville.
Young Guns: Few players were blooded by the Cowboys in 2009, but imposing back-rower James Tamou stamped himself as a potential star with a series of aggressive displays and Steve Rapira looks set to join brother Sam in the Kiwi side within the next couple of seasons.
X-Factor: North Queensland’s pack is full of big names, but failed to aim up in 2009, and needs to improve drastically if Thurston, Bowen, Payne and co. are to weave their magic and return the club to contender status. With internationals Luke O’Donnell, Antonio Kaufusi and Carl Webb, and the next crop of Queensland Origin forwards Matt Scott and Scott Bolton, the Cowboys need to transfer their strength on paper onto the field.
Under Pressure: Former Test and Origin prop Kaufusi was unable to rediscover his best form after signing with the Cowboys, and it was not difficult to see why he was bumped out of the Storm’s first-choice pack in 2008. Another average season could see him fishing for a UK Super League contract.
2010 Prediction: If Thurston decides to re-sign with the club it could give them the impetus to push for a top-four spot. But if he departs as expected, 2010 represents the Cowboys’ last realistic chance for a few years to claim a maiden premiership. That pressure has the potential to strangle a side not renowned for their consistency.
12th
-Best Line-up-
Matt Bowen
John Williams
Ashley Graham
Willie Tonga
Ty Williams
Grant Rovelli
Johnathan Thurston
Antonio Kaufusi
Aaron Payne
Matt Scott
Carl Webb
Scott Bolton
Luke O’Donnell
Anthony Watts
Steve Southern
Steve Rapira
James Tamou
Besides perhaps only the Warriors, North Queensland were the biggest disappointments of 2009. The Cowboys faded badly to lose six of the last eight games and crash out of finals contention after sitting snugly in fifth place after Round 18. They had recovered from a poor start that sent the rumour mill into overdrive about a rift between coach Neil Henry and captain Jonhnathan Thurston. The inspirational skipper was outstanding in 2009, but he needs far more support if the club is to return to September football for the first time since 2007. Thurston’s contract negotiations for beyond next season are looming over the Cowboys and any decision to move on could have a derisive effect on the squad that relies so heavily upon him.
Strengths: In Thurston the Cowboys have arguably the NRL’s most influential player, and with Willie Tonga and Matt Bowen he has world-class strike players outside him. The star trio scored 35 of North Queensland’s 98 tries in 2009. Hooker Aaron Payne’s combination with Thurston and Bowen is vital to the Cowboys’ chances.
Weaknesses: Since his arrival in 2005, North Queensland has struggled to settle on a halves partner for Thurston. Travis Burns and Grant Rovelli shared the role in 2009 with mixed results. Burns’s departure leaves Rovelli and fiery utility Anthony Watts as the only experienced options for the No. 6 jersey.
Comings and Goings: One of the quietest clubs on the player trade market, the Cowboys only signings of note are pint-sized fullback Shannon Gallant and the Ah Mau brothers, Leeson and Isaak, who have played just six first grade game between them. Hulking prop Shane Tronc’s loss to Wakefield will be keenly felt, while Burns will look to reignite his career with the Panthers after a difficult two-year stint in Townsville.
Young Guns: Few players were blooded by the Cowboys in 2009, but imposing back-rower James Tamou stamped himself as a potential star with a series of aggressive displays and Steve Rapira looks set to join brother Sam in the Kiwi side within the next couple of seasons.
X-Factor: North Queensland’s pack is full of big names, but failed to aim up in 2009, and needs to improve drastically if Thurston, Bowen, Payne and co. are to weave their magic and return the club to contender status. With internationals Luke O’Donnell, Antonio Kaufusi and Carl Webb, and the next crop of Queensland Origin forwards Matt Scott and Scott Bolton, the Cowboys need to transfer their strength on paper onto the field.
Under Pressure: Former Test and Origin prop Kaufusi was unable to rediscover his best form after signing with the Cowboys, and it was not difficult to see why he was bumped out of the Storm’s first-choice pack in 2008. Another average season could see him fishing for a UK Super League contract.
2010 Prediction: If Thurston decides to re-sign with the club it could give them the impetus to push for a top-four spot. But if he departs as expected, 2010 represents the Cowboys’ last realistic chance for a few years to claim a maiden premiership. That pressure has the potential to strangle a side not renowned for their consistency.
12th
-Best Line-up-
Matt Bowen
John Williams
Ashley Graham
Willie Tonga
Ty Williams
Grant Rovelli
Johnathan Thurston
Antonio Kaufusi
Aaron Payne
Matt Scott
Carl Webb
Scott Bolton
Luke O’Donnell
Anthony Watts
Steve Southern
Steve Rapira
James Tamou
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