Cowboys cut their whiz-kid
YOUNG gun Kalyn Ponga has been dropped from the Cowboys 17 in a shock move, as the club prepares to welcome back a number of big names.
Despite being one of North Queensland’s best in recent weeks, Ponga was yesterday named in jersey No.21 ahead of the Cowboys’ clash with the Bulldogs tomorrow night.
Ponga made way for regular fullback Lachlan Coote (calf) as expected, but coach Paul Green was unable to find another way to accommodate the teen sensation.
Instead, Green has selected a team based on experience as the Cowboys fight to turn around their recent poor form.
Ray Thompson has been named as the replacement for Johnathan Thurston (shoulder) while the Cowboys will also welcome back veteran forward Shaun Fensom.
Jake Granville is also a chance of playing but has to prove his fitness before tomorrow night.
Green said he made these changes to the team because he felt it was what was best as they continued to move forward without their captains in Thurston and Matt Scott (knee).
“That experience helps when you’re under pressure in particular,” Green said.
“Invariably in games at some point, you’re going to be under pressure. Having those guys that have been there and done that, it helps.”
Granville was named to return at hooker for the showdown in Sydney, but will have to pass today’s fitness test before he is completely cleared.
If he does not prove fit, it is expected young halfback Kyle Laybutt could come into the team.
Green confirmed yesterday the club had expressed interest in Warriors utility Tuimoala Lolohea.
Lolohea, who is also being chased by the Tigers, is expected to make a decision on his future within the next 24 hours and Green said they hoped to lure him north to add some strike power to their side.
“He’s a talented kid,” Green said.
“Anyone that comes onto the market, that’s a good player we’ll be interested in. There’s a few other clubs that are interested in him.
“I coached against him when he was playing under-20s. He would add strike to us.
“He’s a good player and if it works out, we’d be happy to have him here.” RUGBY’S NSW Waratahs have emerged as a surprise option for Cooper Cronk as six NRL clubs, including Newcastle, circle the Queensland Origin ace.
Cronk’s impending move to Sydney next season has sparked speculation the Storm playmaker could go back to the future by testing his skills in the 15-a-side code at the Waratahs.
Rumours of a Cronk code defection gathered momentum last weekend in the wake of the Waratahs’ 40-33 loss to the Auckland Blues in Sydney.
Blues players are convinced Cronk is being targeted by the Waratahs.
The whispers reached the ears of Auckland coach Tana Umaga, a 74-Test All Blacks legend who has told rugby identities the Waratahs are keen to sign Cronk.
Australian rugby is mired in a performance crisis and the signing of Cronk would give the code a public-relations coup as the Wallabies build for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.