Youngsters in mix for struggling Cowboys
THE struggling Cowboys will seriously consider throwing youngsters into the deep end to kickstart their season, with assistant coach Todd Payten admitting their terrible form may leave them no choice.
Teenage centre Enari Tuala is likely to be discussed at the selection table this week, along with fellow outside back Javid Bowen, to reinvigorate their back five after a forgettable display in Thursday’s 20-12 loss to Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.
Justin O’Neill made five errors and veteran winger Antonio Winterstein also gift wrapped a try with an errant pass as the Cowboys complet- ed just six of 16 sets in the second half.
Now 3-7 and facing two tough home matches against heavyweights Souths and Melbourne, Cowboys coach Paul Green forecast team changes may be made, and yesterday Payten conceded it’s likely.
But, the Cowboys’ depth has been hurt by injuries and options are few on the ground.
“I would think that maybe (there’s) changes, things have got to change,” Payten said.
“Once we reassess and go through the game again, we’ll sit down and talk about our best team.
“Enari’s been going well for a kid. He’s only 19 and he’s been considered for a couple of games, but given they were must wins it was probably a little bit too much pressure for him. But I think that’s out the window now, we’re certainly looking closer at that. Javid (Bowen) came down as 18th man and he’s close to the mark as well.”
Northern Pride coach Ty Williams said he has been pleased with Tuala and Bowen’s Queensland Cup form and feels they’re ready for the step up.
Tuala made his NRL debut in round 24 against Cronulla last year during a Cowboys injury crisis.
The Pride take on the Redcliffe Dolphins this afternoon.
“I think Enari and Javid are ready to make the next move. I think they’ve been very solid across the board within their time here,” Williams said.
“Obviously Javid started the season (at the Cowboys) when Linnett went down, and I think both are not far off.
“Enari is very quietly spoken but he’s one of our consistent performers.”
Gideon Gela-Mosby is also in the wings but is serving the second week of a two-game ban for a careless high tackle this weekend. He also missed the first five weeks of this year’s Queensland Cup with a shoulder-charge suspension picked up late last season.
Payten said the Cowboys had been pleased with the improved commitment over the past fortnight, but “schoolboy errors” are crucifying them.
“We’ll have to improve dramatically to get over Souths, let alone the Storm,” Payten said. “There’s some games through the year we’ve just lost through effort.
“We need to be able to get back into the game after making a mistake and that’s not what’s happening at the moment. One mistake leads to four or five.”