Here’s hoping Cowboys can shake this off

THE demolition of the Parramatta Eels on Monday night was another high point in a remarkable season for the city’s beloved Cowboys.

Sitting near the top of the table with five games in the regular season remaining, the Cowboys look to be genuine premiership contenders.

Calm under pressure, ruthless in attack and solid in defence, the Cowboys have rarely looked better.

Likewise, there is a steely focus and calmness about the team’s supporters this year.

It’s as if they are keeping their expectations in check because they have been burnt too many times in the past.

So the last thing the club and its legion of fans needed — just as they dare to dream — was any distractions.

Unfortunately, that is what they got yesterday when the Cowboys were the subject of a southern smear campaign.

The Cowboys have been on the wrong end of a few rough calls in recent years, and the timing of the latest slur against the club over its salary cap is questionable, to say the least.

The NRL, to its credit, was quick to hose down any allegations of wrongdoing and the Cowboys are comfortable they have nothing to hide.

But the danger is the mud- slinging could unsettle the club as it heads into the socalled business end of the season.

Let’s hope this distraction goes away quickly and the Cowboys can get on with the job of playing premiership- winning football.

Go Cowboys.

The timing of the latest slur against the club over its salary cap is questionable, to say the least