Centre elbows way back in
FORMER Maroons centre Justin O’Neill will return as the Cowboys try to prove their Sharks upset was no fluke.
O’Neill (elbow) is expected to make his comeback when North Queensland face Parramatta in an elimination final at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.
O’Neill, who was dropped after Queensland’s Origin I loss, has missed the past four matches and his impending return gives the Cowboys one of their best teams of the season.
Either Javid Bowen or Antonio Winterstein will make way for the return of O’Neill.
“Any of those experienced guys who have played in big games, having them back in the team would be a boost,” coach Paul Green said.
“He hasn’t trained yet. We will have sessions (today) and Friday so we’ll see how he gets through that.
“Everyone loves to be playing at this time of the year.
“He’s experienced enough and played in big games and fi- nals. If he gets through all that I’m sure he will be able to manage it.
“You need your best players playing at this time of the year in big games.”
Green is also sweating on the availability of prop John Asiata, who injured his hand in last Sunday’s extra-time win against Cronulla.
Scans revealed Asiata has structural damage in his hand, however the ball-playing forward is keen to play through the pain.
“He stayed on the field with it and managed to do a pretty good job,” Green said.
“That typifies the spirit in the boys at the moment. They are busting their guts.”