Paul Green banking on old heads to reverse Cowboys’ form slump
Cowboys coach Paul Green is hoping the combined 389-game experience of Scott Bolton and Justin O’Neill will help them find a much-needed win over the Warriors on Saturday night.
LATE MAIL: Stars return for Storm, Roosters
Cowboys coach Paul Green is hoping the combined 389-game experience of Scott Bolton and Justin O’Neill will help them find a much-needed win over the Warriors on Saturday night.
North Queensland begin their 7569km two week road trip this weekend which sees them fly to New Zealand before heading to Sydney next weekend.
The Easter Saturday match up against the Warriors will be a chance for the Cowboys to resurrect their season after falling to four straight losses.
MORE NRL NEWS
THE ROOKIE HALVES WHO COULD IGNITE BRONCOS
THE REAL REASON GI BACKFLIPPED ON BRISBANE
North Queensland will be bolstered by the return of 228-game veteran Bolton from his five match suspension while O’Neill (161 NRL games) has been named on the wing to replace the injured Nene Macdonald (ankle).
Speaking ahead of the match at Mt Smart Stadium, Green said the added experience in the side would help his side find a win.
“I think when you’re trying to scrap for a win like we are at the moment, the experience helps,” Green said.
“Now that Bolts is back in the team, he’s played 220-plus games and having Justin O’Neill back in the team, that’s going to help too.
“It’s not the start we wanted and certainly a win will make a lot of difference.”
Saturday night’s clash will also see Josh McGuire reach his 200th NRL game — a milestone which Green said was a testament to the international representative.
“He’s new to the club but to play 200 games in the NRL is a great achievement so hopefully we can make it a night for him to remember,” he said.
Injuries have cruelled the Cowboys in the opening rounds of the competition with Macdonald out for an extended period while lock forward Jason Taumalolo remains out of action for at least another fortnight.
LISTEN! Matty Johns reveals his favourite Inglis memories, the impact of retirement on a player and dissects the five-eighths who are setting the competition alight. Paul Kent and James Hooper join Matty for Australia’s No. 1 sports podcast.
Green said it allowed the younger players a chance to prove themselves.
“We can’t sort of dwell on injuries and use them as an excuse,” he said.
“We’ve got confidence in the team and some of the young guys just have to take the opportunity.”
Originally published as Paul Green banking on old heads to reverse Cowboys’ form slump
How the Cowboys unearthed Tongan test bolter Ana Malupo
The Northern Territory talent will have the opportunity to debut for Tonga in the next fortnight. Find out when Cowboys NRLW coach Ricky Henry knew Malupo had a big future in rugby league.
Rabid Cowboys fan to Rookie of the Year: Purdue’s incredible 12 months
To say the last 12 months has been a meteoric rise for Jaxon Purdue would be a huge understatement. Read how the kid from Mackay went from Cowboys superfan to NRL player in less than a year.