RUGBY LEAGUE NEWS:
| North Queensland Cowboys 2010 Season Preview | ||
| Written by: Robert Beaumont | ||
| February 25th 2010 05:17 PM | ||
The last time the North Queensland Cowboys appeared in the finals it came off the back of dynamic duo of Matt Bowen and Johnathan Thurston. Fast forward to 2010 and both these players find themselves embroiled in their own dramas. For captain Thurston, that drama comes in the form of his next contract. Constantly regarded as one of the game’s best players, Thurston finds himself starring at the barrel of three consecutive seasons of final-less football. In this disappointment Thurston has revealed his desire to test the open market in a move that could not only doom their current campaign, but those of years to come. The second half of the dynamic duo, the energetic enigma Matt Bowen, faces a turbulent future as he attempts to recover from his second serious knee injury.The club has missed the form of Bowen who despite appearing in 20 games last year couldn’t make the same impact he is renowned for. In the past, the Cowboys could rely on Bowen to create anything anywhere on the field. Yet, since his first knee operation, the brilliant Innisfail product was unable to muster any long distance line-breaks nor tries and this came at a serious disadvantage to the Cowboys who ranked lowly in that category. Bowen isn’t expected back until Round 8, which means the fullback spot is up for grabs. The two players in line for the fullback position are the experienced Ty Williams who is said to have recaptured the burst of speed he has been missing since 2006. The other is Wests Tigers recruit Shannon Gallant who was recruited by the club as soon as the news of Bowen’s injury became public. The inexperienced fullback showed a lot of heart and promise for the Tigers and it’s these attributes fans will be looking for in Bowen’s stead. With these problems facing his two key players, coach Neil Henry has opted to sever his ties with the Maroons in a move to show he’s committed to the side in 2010. Joining him in his decision is conditioner, Billy Johnstone who holds an almighty reputation for his work as a fitness coordinator. Johnstone will be joined by one of his old pupils, Willie Mason as the former International turned Cowboy looks to revive his career at Townsville. If he performs to his reputation, the signing of big Willie shapes as one of the best in the NRL giving the Cowboys the extra potency they’ve lacked in years gone by. The club has also shown it’s faith in the future by signing and promoting a number of potential stars of the game. Among them is giant centre Will Tupou, prop Leeson Ah Mau and local products five eigth Ray Thompson, speed machine Obe Geia and the tradesmen like Dane Hogan. All five players will enter a side brimming with talent and experience including such names as Willie Tonga, Aaron Payne and Luke O’Donnell. If youth and experience can combine and given the likes of Jonathan Thurston the platform to perform his magic on the field, the Cowboys could turn out to be the major surprise packets of 2010. Signings: Gains: Willie Mason (Roosters), Shannon Gallant (Tigers), Will Tupou, Isaak Ah Mau (Broncos), Leeson Ah Mau (Warriors) Losses: Shane Tronc (Wakefield, ESL), Tom Humble (Eels), Dayne Weston (released), Shannon Hegarty (retired), Matthew Bartlett, Anthony Perkins Predicted Round 1 lineup: 1. Shannon Gallant 2. Obe Geia 3. Ash Graham 4. Willie Tonga 5. John Williams 6. Grant Rovelli 7. Johnathon Thurston 8. Carl Webb 9. Aaron Payne 10. Matt Scott 11. Willie Mason 12. Scott Bolton 13. Luke O’Donnell Interchange: 14. Anthony Watts 15. Steve Southern 16. James Tamou 17. Leeson Ah Mau Player To Watch: Willie Mason It was an inevitable choice but does any other player in the competition have more to play for? This is a year of restoration for Mason as he attempts to repair the reputation that at one point had many people calling him the best backrow in the game. Rookie To Watch: Obe Geia Young rookie winger Obe Geia has a ton of speed and has caused a lot of excitement up north. Can the kid meet those expectations bestowed upon him and will he become the new attacking sensation the Cowboys have been longing for? Current Injuries: Matt Bowen – Round 8 2010 Season Schedule R1 v Broncos (A) R2 v Panthers (H) R3 v Dragons (A) R4 v Titans (H) R5 v Tigers (H) R6 v Knights (A) R7 v Eels (H) R8 v Storm (H) R9 v Roosters (A) R10 v Warriors (A) R11 Bye R12 v Sea Eagles (H) R13 v Rabbitohs (A) R14 v Raiders (H) R15 v Storm (A) R16 v Sharks (H) R17 Bye R18 v Eels (A) R19 v Tigers (A) R20 v Knights (H) R21 v Panthers (A) R22 v Broncos (H) R23 v Titans (A) R24 v Bulldogs (H) R25 v Raiders (A) R26 v Roosters (H) |
