Cowboys hope to have Martin back

THE Cowboys’ awful run of injuries is finally showing signs of easing with five-eighth Te Maire Martin firming as a starter for Saturday’s crunch clash with Cronulla.

And the club is hopeful Lachlan Coote will join him, despite not taking to the field at training on Tuesday.

Martin pulled up well after running with the team and he would be a welcome addition after he missed last week’s 24-16 loss at Penrith with a minor knee injury.

After halves partner Michael Morgan was forced off with concussion late in the second half, the Cowboys lost direction and the return of their first choice playmakers is timely.

Star Cowboys forward Jason Taumalolo backed fullback Coote to play through the pain after he hurt his ankle and knee in an awkward tackle against the Panthers. And he urged Martin to show similar resilience.

“I doubt he’ll be playing 100 per cent but Te Maire still has to learn that part of footy (playing hurt) and I’m certain he’ll definitely do the job on Saturday,” Taumalolo said.

“He was a bit restricted with that tape on his knee.”