Nth Qld Cowboys 2009 season preview
February 8th 2009 01:17
The lowdown
After finishing the last couple of seasons as a side nearing an elusive Premiership, the Nth Qld Cowboys were expected to be one of the NRL’s top four contenders in 2008.
Instead, they turned back the clock and arguably suffered one of those years where nothing went right in terms of injury, form and discipline. The Cowboys finished 15th and narrowly avoided the Wooden Spoon, but for a side that boosts arguably the best player in the competition in Johnathon Thurston, that is simply not good enough - and it cost then coach Graham Murray his job.
2009 Prospects
Like the Bulldogs, the Cowboys suffered the season from hell with injury and off field dramas plaguing their 2008 campaign.
Halfback and Captain Johnathon Thurston was missing for the majority of last season, while the Cowboys other linchpin, Matt Bowen, suffered a season ending knee injury early in the year to keep Nth Qld Comatose for the rest of 2008.
It seems without Thurston and Bowen, the Cowboys switch from being Premiership contenders, to severe Wooden Spoon favourites.
Indeed 2008 was a lean year in attack for the Cowboys, scoring only 85 tries which placed them as the fourth worst offensive unit in the NRL.
If they are to bounce back and win a Premiership in 2009, the Cowboys must find a way to win matches and score points without two of the NRL’s most potent attacking weapons.
Although this is easier said than done, the Cowboys have gained some new faces that will provide more muscle and flair in their line-up.
The inclusion of former representative players Willie Tonga and Shannon Hegarty will add steel and potency in the centres for the Cowboys.
Tonga can be one of the most explosive backline players in the NRL when in form, while Hegarty brings plenty of experience to the side despite some leans seasons with South Sydney.
If both of these players hit their best, they will ease the workload on the likes of Thurston and Bowen in the backline, which could lead the Cowboys to new point scoring avenues, which is critical against the more established sides in the competition.
With a backline as fast as any in the game, the Cowboys have been able to cover up a forward pack that lacks the skill, speed and intimidation of their rivals.
The Cowboys last season were the second worst side in the NRL at making metres, which signals the fact they were always at a territorial disadvantage against opposition.
But with former Storm prop Antonio Kaufusi and new recruit Manese Manuokafoa making their way to Townsville, the Cowboys finally possess some players with an ability to make metres at will, which will no doubt delight Thurston and company.
If the likes of Kaufusi, Manuokafoa, Tronc, Webb and O’Donnell steer clear of injury, they will go a long way in helping the Cowboys develop a forward unit that will provide a decent platform for the likes of Thurston and Bowen to weave their magic.
Prediction
Although they have added some much needed depth in the backs and the forwards, the majority of their 2009 aspirations lie with both Thurston and Bowen.
If these two remain injury free, the Cowboys can make most sides look pretty ordinary in their run to the finals, but without them, they are probably the most ordinary unit in the NRL.
Finish - 8th
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