Kaufusi ready to take charge at Cowboys
December 31st 2008 06:38
Nth Qld newcomer Antonio Kaufusi fronted his first media conference at his new club a couple of days ago and already looks an enticing prospect for season 2009 playing in the frontrow for the Cowboys.
Originally from Bundaberg, Kaufusi's adjustment to the tropical climate after his Melbourne posting will begin straight away, with the forward to start training with the squad next Monday.
According to Kaufusi, the new 2009 coaching and playing lineup for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys was a big drawcard and the front rower is excited about the possibilities.
"I think the team we've got here can do anything – with a good pre-season under our belt and then come next year, it will be a hard team to stop," he said.
"It was hard to leave Melbourne...but I'm a Queenslander and it's good to be up here."
Kaufusi is looking forward to running on at Dairy Farmers Stadium as a member of the home team.
"The crowd here and the amount of support that the Cowboys have here is awesome.
"It's always a great atmosphere, you do look forward to coming up here but this time the crowd is going to be on my side so that will make a change."
Indeed it could be the change that Kaufasi needs to fulfill the skill and power that has already brought him a Queensland Origin jumper and Two Grand Final appearances for the Storm.
As he finds himself in an environment that has Rugby League as its epicentre, Kaufusi now has the necessary ingredients to display his best form in 2009.
Weighing over 110 kilograms, Kaufusi has already caused enough damage to the foolish opponents that have stood in his way for NRL supremacy.
He was one of the prime reasons why Melbourne dominated the way they did upfront, with his determined charges setting the platform for hooker Cameron Smith to weave his magic.
Although the Cowboys do not have the dummy half in the calibre of Smith, Kaufusi need not worry one bit.
In Johnathon Thurston and Matt Bowen, the Cowboys posess two of the most dangerous attacking weapons in the NRL today.
With Thurston and Bowen providing the first class service they are renowned for, Kaufusi can look forward to quality ball when he punches his muscular body through the advantage line.
If all goes smoothly for Kaufusi at the Cowboys, the big Tongan product will be hitting holes in the representative arena, let alone at Dairy Farmers stadium.
And just maybe the Cowboys will once again find themselves playing finals football on the back of Kaufusi’s exploits on the field.
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