Fitting star signings Ben Barba and Josh McGuire into North Queensland
North Queensland crumbled under the weight of expectation in 2018 but a new look side and some big-name signings have them poised to return to the top of the ladder.
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“North Queensland barely avoided the wooden spoon in 2018” is one of those lines that still seems ridiculous no matter how many times it’s written.
But it happened! Somehow, some way, for some strange reason the 2017 grand finalists added Matt Scott and Johnathan Thurston and nearly came last!
Sure, there were reasons. Thurston carried his years and they weighed him down, Scott missed much of the season again, as did Jordan McLean and Michael Morgan. A couple of other formerly key contributors fell apart at the worst of times.
But it still shouldn’t have happened and if it repeats in 2019 it’ll be just as much of a shock because this squad is locked and loaded.
Full Squad: John Asiata, Kurt Baptiste, Ben Barba, Scott Bolton, Javid Bowen, Jake Clifford, Gavin Cooper, Mitchell Dunn, Kyle Feldt, Jake Granville, Ben Hampton, Coen Hess, Corey Jensen, Ethan Lowe, Nene Macdonald, Te Maire Martin, Jordan McLean, Josh McGuire, Francis Molo, Michael Morgan, Gideon Mosby, Justin O’Neill, Tom Opacic, Emry Pere, Matthew Scott, Murray Taulagi, Jason Taumalolo, Enari Tuala, Shane Wright
Ins: Ben Barba (St Helens), Nene Macdonald (St George Illawarra), Kurt Baptiste (Sydney Roosters), Tom Opacic (Brisbane Broncos), Josh McGuire (Brisbane Broncos)
Outs: Lachlan Coote (St Helens), Shaun Fensom (released), Sam Hoare (released), Kyle Laybutt (released), Johnathan Thurston (retired), Kane Linnett (released), Antonio Winterstein (retired)
Best XVII
1. Ben Barba 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Enari Tuala 4. Ben Hampton 5. Nene Macdonald 6. Jake Clifford 7. Michael Morgan 8. Matt Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. Jordan McLean 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Kurt Baptiste/Te Maire Martin 15. John Asiata 16. Ethan Lowe 17. Josh McGuire
Forwards
Jason Taumalolo is a one man forward pack but when he’s paired with Matt Scott and Jordan McLean the Cowboys become one of the most destructive units in the NRL. Throw in Josh McGuire and there can be little debate regarding North Queensland’s forward power. The former Bronco will also help lock up a middle which conceded far too many points last season.
However, McGuire’s recruitment does raise some question marks over Scott, who recently had neck surgery. If he is forced into immediate retirement it would be a cruel way for one of North Queensland’s greatest players to finish his career. If he does succumb to injury look for McGuire to start and Scott Bolton to come in on the bench.
Regardless, with the above four ably supported by Bolton, John Asiata, Corey Jensen and Ethan Lowe, barring injury North Queensland should be able to roll over whoever they want this season.
Gavin Cooper and Coen Hess are the expected starters at second row although Lowe’s fall from favour is still difficult to parse — his goalkicking ability may help him back into the starting side.
Backs
During the finals runs from 2014 to 2017 North Queensland’s backs were a solid if unspectacular bunch who thrived on doing the little things right and capitalising on chances created by their spine. When that spine fell apart last season it showed the limitations of some of their players, which weren’t helped by several injury problems.
As such, the recruitment of Nene Macdonald is a great move — Macdonald is the best yardage winger the Cowboys have had in some time and paired with Kyle Feldt, who is coming off a very good season, he gives North Queensland a class wing duo.
Enari Tuala, Justin O’Neill, Tom Opacic, Javid Bowen and Ben Hampton will compete for the two centre spots and the exciting but raw Gideon Mosby will also feature at some point.
Spine
We’re now living in a post-Thurston world and this team belongs to Michael Morgan. Along with Jake Clifford, he’ll be responsible for steering North Queensland around the park and if he can recapture his 2017 form, that should work out just fine. Clifford improved greatly in his brief time in first grade last season and is one to watch.
Jake Granville is still a solid contributor but is yet to recapture the heights of his first seasons with the Cowboys while the final member of the spine is also the most intriguing.
Ben Barba returns to the NRL following a brilliant stint with St Helens and he’s got both the skills and the speed to be an immediate success.
The former Dally M winner gives the Cows the speed they so sorely need while also possessing the skills to replicate the fine work Lachlan Coote did during his stint in Townsville.
Te Maire Martin will be a back up for fullback, five-eighth and halfback and will compete with Kurt Baptiste for the role of bench utility.
Recruitment strength
The benefits of landing Macdonald, McGuire and Barba have already been outlined and the rest of the Cowboys recruits are aimed at boosting depth.
Opacic will contend for the vacant centre spots and Baptiste will compete with Martin for a spot on the bench.
Where they’re lacking
Centre. There are plenty of contenders but no standouts as North Queensland look to fill out their backline.
The representative honours Justin O’Neill earned now feel a long way away, Tom Opacic mainly played reserve grade last season, Ben Hampton is still inexperienced as a centre, Javid Bowen seemingly fell from favour and Enari Tuala did not take to first grade as rapidly as the club may have hoped.
In terms of upside Tuala and Hampton are the picks but the experience of O’Neill may earn him a spot.
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