LOWE’S CAMEO LIFTS PRIDE
ETHAN Lowe believes a strong 80-minute effort for the Northern Pride has proven to Cowboys coach Paul Green he can fill the void of the club’s likely Origin absences.
Lowe starred on the left edge in the Pride’s 29-10 win, setting up a try for Graham Clark midway through the first half when he broke the line, shrugged off several would-be Norths Devils tacklers and popped a deft pass for the fourpointer.
The 27-year-old grew with confidence with every minute, relishing the fat lip and customary bruises he’s missed in an uptick from his 27 minutes per game in his past five Cowboys matches.
Lowe said he could go the distance against Manly on Thursday night if required as Gavin Cooper and Coen Hess appear destined for Maroons selection.
“Match fitness was probably a bit tough there, but I was able to get through it and get a whole 80, which was pretty good,” Lowe said after the match. “I think (Saturday) was a good hitout to blow the cobwebs out … so if I have to play 80 next week, I’ll be happy to do it.
“I’ve been working pretty hard at training to try to get things right and to come back here and help the boys get the win is the most important thing and we were able to do that, which I was pretty happy with.”
He admitted adjusting to the bench role he had been presented in the past month had been a challenge, but would fill whatever position necessary if it meant a turnaround in fortunes for the 15thplaced Cowboys.
Northern Pride coach Ty Williams said he expected Lowe’s performance ticked all the boxes for a bigger NRL role this week.
He also expected bullocking Cowboys-contracted bench forward Emry Pere to be in contention for NRL selection on Tuesday after an impressive 40 minutes for the Pride on Saturday.
MATCH FITNESS WAS PROBABLY A BIT TOUGH THERE, BUT I WAS ABLE TO GET THROUGH IT ETHAN LOWE