North Queensland Cowboys have no excuse for another poor start: Gavin Cooper

JOHNATHAN Thurston, Matt Scott and James Tamou missed the Four Nations, and there will be no excuses for another poor Cowboys start.

NRL NQ Cowboys versus Brisbane Bronco's at 1300 Smiles Stadium in Townsville, QLD. Cowboy's Gavin Cooper and Bronco's Ben Hannant, Ben Hunt . Picture: Wesley Monts

NORTH Queensland backrower Gavin Cooper says there will be no excuses for a poor start to the 2015 season as the Cowboys get ready for a second year under coach Paul Green.

Slow starts have cost the Cowboys riper positions in the finals series during the past two seasons.

The Cowboys have countered their slower starts by incredible finishes, with a combined 13-2 win-loss record after the Origin period to make finals the past two seasons.

The Rugby League World Cup decimated the Cowboys numbers heading into pre-season last year, but this year will be different.

Gavin Cooper is prepared for a big pre-season. Picture: Mark Evans

The Cowboys hit the pre-season training paddock On Tuesday to prepare for the long summer going into next year’s National Rugby League campaign.

“It was a long year both mentally and physically,” Cooper said.

“We didn’t get off to the start we wanted and to get back to where we did, it was really well done by everyone at the club.

“I suppose it gave everyone the kick in the butt we needed … to know what our level is and know where we have to start in 2015.”

Co-captains Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott, along with prop James Tamou, all missed the Four Nations this year through injury and the Kangaroos’ loss should be the Cowboys’ blessing.

Originally published as North Queensland Cowboys have no excuse for another poor start: Gavin Cooper