Kyle Feldt’s rise shows Cowboys’ NRL premiership defence is the real deal

NORTH Queensland don’t have many weak spots. And as they attempt to go back to back, the reigning premiers look to have fixed up the last chink in their armour.

Cowboys Kyle Feldt during round 3 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and Sydney Roosters at 1300 Smiles Stadium on Thursday, March 17, 2016. (AAP Image/Michael Chambers) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

THEY are the reigning premiers, but coach Paul Green believes the Cowboys are only getting stronger, particularly down their right edge.

After it was revealed that North Queensland flyer Kyle Feldt has become a serious Origin bolter, Green joined the chorus of supporters for the winger, saying it was good recognition for the hardworking 24-year-old.

While he also said Feldt has to become more consistent, it has been evident that the Cowboys’ grand final hero has improved remarkably to start 2016.

And Green believes Feldt is not alone, claiming his combinations with Justin O’Neill, Michael Morgan and Ethan Lowe mean the club’s right edge had become one of its biggest strengths this year.

“They were probably our weakest side defensively last year but they’re probably our strong side this year,” Green said ahead of Saturday’s clash with Penrith.

“They’re going well in that area and they’re also becoming more of a threat in attack as well. They’re all benefiting from each other. I know our attack can get better.”

Feldt revealed this week that part of his improvement came after a massive diet change.

He is now competing with Bronco Corey Oates for the vacant Maroons spot and may get the upper hand if his right edge teammate Morgan once again plays off the bench for Queensland.

But Green said Feldt should be ignoring any hype if he wants to maintain his recent form.

Kyle Feldt has seen a big improvement since changing his diet.

“It’s important that Feldty keeps his feet on the ground,” Green said. “If (Origin) comes along, that’s great for him. It shows he’s improving, which he needs to.

“But if you start reading into that sort of stuff too much, you forget about what’s important and what got you there.

“It’s good that Feldty is getting noticed but he needs to be consistent and how you get consistency is to keep working hard ... he needs to maintain his effort.”

The Cowboys named the same 17 that demolished the Dragons last week for their meeting with the Panthers on Saturday. Javid Bowen will play his second NRL game on North Queensland’s left edge, with Kane Linnett still sidelined with a shoulder injury.