COWBOY’S FIRSTBORN DUE AHEAD OF BRONCOS CLASH

A WIN over the Broncos to secure his team’s finals destiny could be only the second biggest moment for Cowboys prop John Asiata this week.

Asiata and his partner Shailah are preparing to welcome their first child as the Cowboys prepare for another epic showdown with their arch rivals at 1300SMILES Stadium tomorrow night.

The happy couple know their baby could arrive at any moment and Asiata admitted he could hardly contain his excitement with such a busy week both on and off the field.

“This being my first baby, I don’t think any father-to-be would want to miss it,” he said.

“The waiting game is a bit too long at the moment. The first 20 weeks flew by and now it’s just taking forever.

“I’ve had that in my mind knowing baby can come at any second and trying to focus on the game and going out every weekend.

“It’s where I’ve got to be professional. When I’m here at work, I’ve got to stay focused … for the team.”

The arrival of his first child is keeping Asiata busy away from football, but he’s still working hard for the Cowboys as a starting prop following season-ending injuries to Matt Scott (knee) and Patrick Kaufusi (foot).

Asiata is known for his dazzling ball skills coming off the bench and has even enjoyed a memorable stint in the halves.

Prop requires him to play more direct, but the versatile forward said he felt just as comfortable taking the tough carries as he does throwing the ball around.

“My role hasn’t really changed as a starting prop, it’s just more going forward,” Asiata said.