NQ’s grit showing juniors the way

THE Cowboys’ fairytale run is set to inspire another boom in junior rugby league across North Queensland, but the way they’ve got there will make the new breed tougher than ever.

Cairns District Junior Rugby League chairman Ian Lydiard said players of all abilities could learn from the Cowboys path to the game.

He said seeing improvement from the likes of Jason Taumalolo, who took the title of forward leader in the absence of Matt Scott, and halfback Michael Morgan taught players a valuable lesson.

“I think the lesson they take from watching the Cowboys, and even the Storm, is each person has a role to play on the football field,” Lydiard said.

“It’s amazing the result when everyone works together as they should, like a team.”

He expected a similar impact on junior grades as in 2015 after the premiership.

“It’s going to be great for the kids. I think next year you’ll find a lot more kids come back and you’ll see more players playing only school league come across to club league,” Lydiard said.

QRL Northern Division manager Scott Nosworthy, who oversees the game for centres north of Mackay, said core values Paul Green instilled in his team showed everyone had a role to play.

“It’s all about hard work. You don’t have to be the most naturally-gifted person but with hard work and perseverance and just doing what you can and working to your strengths, you can end up anywhere,” he said.

“Scott Bolton is a classic example of that. They’re good footballers. They don’t have any flashy parts to them, but they’ll run their 150m and make 30, 40 tackles a game and that’s what we need and I think Greeny sort of built a side based on that.

“He’s got his superstars, but he’s got a lot of guys who are just good grafters and good footballers.”

Nosworthy said the Cowboys’ 2015 premiership “brought the rugby league community together” but felt a 2017 title would be an even bigger achievement after overcoming so many challenges.

“Now they’re in the grind. I don’t think Melbourne were super on Friday night, attacking-wise and I think if the Cowboys stay in the grind with them, they’re a chance,” he said.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE THE MOST NATURALLYGIFTED PERSON BUT WITH HARD WORK AND PERSEVERANCE AND JUST DOING WHAT YOU CAN AND WORKING TO YOUR STRENGTHS, YOU CAN END UP ANYWHERE