ROBSON TO PUSH CLAIMS FOR COWBOYS NO.9 JERSEY
HIS first time pulling on a Cowboys jersey ended with success. But now Reece Robson’s focus is squarely on securing a round one berth and emulating that form in the 2020 NRL season.
The 21-year-old hooker has been lauded as one of the most exciting young prospects, and showed that with an impressive showing at the Perth Nines.
That is ancient history for the former Dragon, who said he was more concerned with the upcoming trial games.
“Certainly there’s a bit of buzz hanging around, so until the comp kicks in that’ll be over everyone’s heads a little bit,” Robson said.
“It’s obviously a good feeling in itself winning the Nines competition, but it’s a completely different beast I guess playing 13 v 13.
“I’ve been training for that all pre-season, so it’ll be good to get the footy in my hands and go from there.”
Should he line up for the Cowboys in their first trial against the Brisbane Broncos this weekend, it will be Robson’s first taste of a Queensland derby.
It is a rivalry he watched with great interest growing up on the Gold Coast and one he hopes to cement his own legacy in.
The free-flowing nature of the Nines presented Robson with the ideal opportunity to show-off his running game out of dummy half.
It is the style of footballer he sees himself as, and should he find himself in the Cowboys’ best 17 is what he aims to bring to the table.
The trials may also give Robson a feel for playing alongside star recruit, Valentine Holmes.
“I think everyone knows already he’s a very high quality player,” Robson said.
“He’s pretty much just touched down where he left off at training and it’ll be interesting to see how he goes if he does play this weekend. I’m excited, and I’m sure all the fans are too.”
While Robson’s standing grew at the Nines, veteran rake Jake Granville was also impressive.
Along with Mackay product Reuben Cotter, the trio provide plenty of options in the No. 9 jumper and an interesting tussle for a starting spot.
The upcoming trials will give coach Paul Green some clarity as to who will assume the mantle, but Robson’s focus was on building momentum leading to round one.
“I haven’t spoken to ‘Greeny’ too much about minutes yet, whatever he wants me to play I’ll be happy to play as much as I can to try and get some match fitness just before the games come around,” he said.
“Coming into these trials it’s always a good platform to try and put your best foot forward for the round one side against the Broncos.
“I’ll be going out there just to play the best I can and go from there.”