Lewis: Cowboys a good chance

QUEENSLAND and Brisbane Broncos legend Wally Lewis warned the Roosters will write off the Cowboys at their peril when the two clash in tonight’s preliminary final in Sydney.

Trent Robinson’s team will start favourites at Allianz Stadium but Lewis, now a commentator for Channel 9, said Paul Green’s men will carry a lot of confidence into the big clash.

“Anyone who does not give them a chance on the weekend only has to look at their performances,” Lewis said.

“Probably for the past six or seven games that they have played, they have known that they have had to win.

“They had a bit of a horror run over the last six or seven rounds of the season but when it was put up or shut up they managed to deliver.

“Their performances were particularly impressive, so for a team that’s beaten the likes of Cronulla and Parramatta and the way that they did that when it looked like their run was over, they can never be underestimated.

“They were wonderful performances from them and they have gained plenty of confidence.”

Veteran prop Matt Scott was named in the squad for tonight’s clash after missing the majority of the season with an ACL injury.

Lewis said while it would probably be a risk to play the Australian international, he said the final decision should lie with the player.

“His opinion would be worth its weight in gold,” Lewis said.

“He would be able to tell the coaches whether he thought he could play.

“Certainly he has got fitness but has he got match fitness?

“His presence would certainly inject a little bit more confidence into the side.

“I think he’s been around in the game long enough to be honest and to say to the coach one way or another ‘look, yes I am going to play or no let’s keep up the drama and make it look like I am playing just to put the opposition off’.”