Cowboys injury crisis worsens
A STOIC performance by fullback Lachlan Coote has inspired his North Queensland Cowboys teammates to not give up on a season marred by injuries, including the loss of their inspirational leader Johnathan Thurston.
The Cowboys’ Michael Morgan, Justin O’Neill, Shaun Fensom all sustained injuries in their 24-16 loss to Penrith at weekend.
But it was Coote’s courageous decision to play on after being hurt in a tackle that garnered the respect of his fellow players.
“He knew we were a few men down and it was his choice whether to take the easy way out, or keep playing on for the boys,” Cowboys leader Jason Taumalolo said.
COWBOYS forward leaders Jason Taumalolo and Scott Bolton have described Lachlan Coote’s courage to play on against Penrith as “inspirational” as the depleted side tries to keep their 2017 campaign afloat.
It was a moment which typifies the character and guts that have been the foundation of the Cowboys’ season.
The fullback hurt his ankle, knee and back when he was twisted awkwardly in a tackle in the second half.
With Michael Morgan (concussion), Justin O’Neill (dislocated elbow) both first half casualties and Shaun Fensom (knee) also wounded, Coote finished the match in obvious discomfort.
O’Neill’s season could be over and scan results for all three players will be revealed by coach Paul Green at today’s team naming.
Only the Titans (32) have used more players in first grade this season than the Cowboys (30). If Coote is out for Saturday’s home clash with Cronulla, Kalyn Ponga looks his likely replacement, while Javid Bowen could move from wing to centre in place of O’Neill.
Gideon Gela-Mosby could earn a recall on the wing, however Northern Pride’s Marcus Jensen could be a bolter.
The good news is the constant stream of injuries has forced the Cowboys to blood five debutants this year.
Taumalolo said the team fed off the resilience shown by Coote, who was stand-in captain after a groggy Morgan went off just before halftime.
“It’s pretty inspirational. He showed a lot of heart to stay out with the boys,” Taumalolo said. “He knew we were a few men down and it was his choice whether to take the easy way out, or keep playing on for the boys.
“It’s a credit to him, it shows true character. Cootey … did his best to get the boys back on board, but they targeted us where we were vulnerable and had players out of position.
“At the end of the day whoever pulls on the jersey is out there doing their best and putting in the best effort they can.”
Prop Bolton played 68 minutes and ran for 153m against Penrith, despite losing 5kg through illness during the week.
He was adamant the eighth-placed Cowboys will make finals after three straight losses before hosting a Sharks side coming off two defeats.
Green is confident his undermanned team has the mentality to fight the season out.
“We’re not done yet,” he said.