Bowen brilliance essential for great 2009
January 16th 2009 01:26
He is a massive fan favourite across the NRL, and one hopes that Matt Bowen can once again rediscover the flair that has often made him the most exciting fullback to watch in Rugby League.
The Nth Qld Cowboys custodian is well known and adored by supporters for his speed, agility and ability to change a game with an ounce of brilliance that was sorely missed by the Cowboys last season.
Although Johnathon Thurston remains their linchpin for success, Bowen is the player that sets the crowds alight with his tenacity to score instinctive tries made possible only by his unique ability on the football field.
2007 was when fans got to see Bowen's best form, which once again culminated in a very successful season for the Cowboys.
The Qld and Australian international scored the most tries in the NRL with 22 next to his name, while he also led in linebreaks (32) and tacklebreaks (220).
His performance was rewarded at the end of the regular season when he was named the Dally M fullback of the year, beating out several other big names, among them Brett Stewart and Billy Slater.
Coming off a superb 2007, Bowen was expected to weave his magic once again in Rugby League's centenary year.
Instead, Bowen succumbed to one of his worse season's in the NRL when a knee injury ruined his 2008 campaign.
In Bowen's absence, the Cowboys never recovered from a disastrous season which nearly yielded a wooden spoon, eventually avoided at the Bulldogs expense.
Indeed Bowen will be eager to come back roaring in season 2009 in a Nth Qld side that will be led by new coach Neil Henry.
After undergoing season ending surgery early in 2008, Bowen says he is trying to rediscover the movement in his feet that made him the most explosive outside back two years ago.
If all goes well for Bowen, expect him to once again draw the fans through the turnstiles when the NRL resumes in March 2009.
With the off field controversies plaguing the game at the moment, one feels the NRL needs Bowen's on field brilliance to encourage youngsters to watch and play the game for the right reasons - enjoyment and entertainment.
What a difference one player can make and Bowen is certainly one of those.
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