Paul Green has begun Origin preparations, naming Patrick Kaufusi as 18th man
COWBOYS coach Paul Green has already begun preparations for the Origin period, naming Patrick Kaufusi as an 18th man for their home clash against the Rabbitohs.
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COWBOYS coach Paul Green has already begun preparations for the taxing Origin period, naming Patrick Kaufusi as an 18th man for their home clash against the Rabbitohs on Friday.
Green, who usually sticks to a 1-17 team list, said he added Kaufusi for the meeting with South Sydney because he wanted to start getting some of the younger squad members used to being in the Cowboys environment.
With the first State of Origin match just a month and a half away, Green is readying himself for the loss of the likes of Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and James Tamou.
“It’s about getting them familiar with what we do,” Green said of his naming an 18th man.
“Come Origin time, those guys will probably play a pretty important role for us.
“We want them to feel comfortable around the team and get them used to what we do and how we do things.”
Green did not indicate who else might get a chance to come into the Cowboys squad in coming weeks.
However, another face that he could lose over the Origin period is winger Kyle Feldt.
The 24-year-old has become a bolter for one of Queensland’s backline spots and, if selected, will mean Green will need to find a suitable replacement.
Javid Bowen has been strong filling in for an injured Kane Linnett, while Tautau Moga could also be an option following his long-awaited comeback to rugby league last week.
The star centre had been out of the game for 11 months following his third ACL rupture last May, but finally made it back on to the field for the Mackay Cutters on Saturday.
Green said while he had not had a chance to watch Moga’s match, he hoped he would get to use him in first grade at some point this year.
“I thought he got to a point last year before he did his knee where he was playing a really consistent, dangerous type of footy,” he said.
“The more of those guys you have fit and ready to play, the stronger your squad is.
“It’s a real credit to him to show the mental toughness he has to get back to where he is.”
Moga himself said he would not be racing towards an NRL comeback and was first hoping to just find his form again.
“I’ve forgotten about it,” Moga said of his injury.
“I’ve already had three knee recos. I’m at the point where I just want to play ... and be injury free.”
Originally published as Paul Green has begun Origin preparations, naming Patrick Kaufusi as 18th man
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