MOMENT OF TRUTH
HAD fate taken a different path Cowboys prop Braden Uele could be making his debut for the Sydney Roosters, not against them.
But tonight’s clash is an ideal chance for the off- contract former Junior Kiwi to prove he deserves a new deal when he steps into the big time at Allianz Stadium.
The 22- year- old will replace Shaun Fensom on the bench after the Raiders recruit failed to overcome a rib cartilage injury suffered in last week’s win over the Warriors.
Uele, a 112kg wrecking ball, is the fourth player Cowboys coach Paul Green has handed an NRL debut to this year after fellow prop Corey Jensen, winger Gideon Gela- Mosby and half Kyle Laybutt.
Jensen has been rewarded for his strong form with a new two- year contract, and Uele now has a chance to prove his worth after a more consistent year with Queensland Cup side Mackay Cutters.
Uele played under- 20s at the Roosters under Green, learning from star props Jared Waerea- Hargreaves and Dylan Napa. He now has a chance to use those tips against his former mentors after injuries to Matt Scott and Pat Kaufusi drained the Cowboys’ front- row stocks.
“One of the challenges for him this year was to be consistent back in the Intrust Super Cup and I think he’s probably done that, he deserves his chance,” Green said.
“( When injuries strike) you’ve got no choice ( but to blood youngsters), they’ve got to make the most of it.
“The guys we have used who have debuted so far have done a great job for us, and helped put us in the position we’re in.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is when you give a guy his debut, it’s a huge step in anyone’s career.”
The Cowboys have won their past four matches since Johnathan Thurston was ruled out for the year with a shoulder injury, but all have been against teams outside the top eight.
Although the second- placed Roosters will be without co- captains Jake Friend and Boyd Cordner, it’s a match which begins a gruelling month for the Cowboys.
After tonight’s clash they host ladder leaders Melbourne, travel to a resurgent Penrith before taking on defending premiers Cronulla at home.
Green said Fensom could have played at pinch, but didn’t want to risk him suffering further damage with September looming.