True tests for Cows are yet to hit town

COWBOYS coach Paul Green knows his team’s greatest test is yet to come, despite a strong run over the past month that has neeted four straight wins.

North Queensland face a tough run home, with the Roosters, Storm, Panthers and Sharks awaiting them before a final round Broncos clash.

While they have plenty of momentum, they are also cautious that recent successes have come against bottomeight teams – Panthers, Raiders, Rabbitohs and Warriors.

“We’ve had an easier run so far,” Green said.

“The test is yet to come for us. I don’t think teams will really consider us as title threats until we see what happens after the next six weeks.

“I’m happy with the run we’ve got in (to finals). It’s going to certainly put us in the picture with where we’re at compared with other teams and where we’re at within the competition.

“We want to build into the finals. We know there’s improvement in us. That’s what the last eight weeks has been about and what the next six weeks will be about.

“It’s about looking for that continual improvement so you’re playing your best footy at the right time of the year.”

Green made one change to the side that beat the Warriors, with Antonio Winterstein (calf) named to return.

■ FORMER Cowboy Rory Kostjasyn has retired without playing a game for Newcastle after being unable to fully overcome a throat injury.

Kostjasyn, 30, suffered the injury in a pre-season training mishap after joining the Knights at the end of 2016.