WARWICK COWBOYS

LAST YEAR 7-9, 8th

THE YEAR AHEAD

LAST year didn’t go to plan for the Cowboys, after injuries hit and some ordinary performances cruelled their finals hopes.

They have made a point of turning around their fortunes, recruiting a number of quality players to the side, including former NRL coach of the year Phil Economidis.

The new addition to the ranks said they had moved past last year’s tough loss to Highfields in the final round last year, costing them a playoff berth.

“It’s a new team with new goals,” Economidis said.

“I watched that game last year and I think we’re a bit stronger this year, but so are most clubs, so we needed to be.”

Buying back the farm has been a focus during the off-season, and Economidis said he was pleased with the results they have been able to enjoy.

“Dan Murphy was an important signing,” he said.

“He was injured in the representative match and will probably be right for the Dalby game.

“We just focused on recruiting blokes from the area, bringing the farm back. If they were available, we chased them.

“It’s important to get those quality players in key positions to develop the younger talent around them.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

“It’s great to get Gary Ellery back this year. He’s been out a couple of years, but certainly impressed in the first trial. I couldn’t be happier with Mitch Watson, Kai Etherington and Coen Martin-Brown who have come up from the 18s. Young Harry Sullivan has come back to the fray, and he’s exciting young player,” Economidis said.

VERDICT

This side has the right mix of experience and youth.

I believe they have had the best recruitment drive of the upcoming season, and their depth will be the envy of a lot of teams.

Their top 17 lines up with any in the competition, and the appointment of Economidis is a big positive.

PREDICTED FINISH 1st