Payne predicts title for under 20s
COWBOYS under- 20s coach Aaron Payne believes his side can farewell the National Youth Competition in style with a premiership despite throwing away a top four spot.
The Cowboys only needed to beat the Broncos in the final round to secure the double chance, but let slip a 22- 8 second half lead to drop to fifth.
It has pitted them straight into do- or- die football against eighthplaced Manly at Allianz Stadium tomorrow in the last- ever Holden Cup season.
Payne said they were bitterly disappointed by their Brisbane fadeout but have regained focus as they look to keep their season alive.
“It was very disappointing because our destiny was in our own hands to finish in the top four,” Payne said.
“We’ve moved on from that, now it’s just do or die. We’ve spoken about being better for longer periods and we set high standards.”
The Cowboys hopes were given a huge boost when lock Corey Horsburgh was successful in having a grade two careless high tackle downgraded, clearing him to play against the Sea Eagles.
The work ethic of the Queens- land under- 20s representative, who also juggled Australian rules as a junior before choosing league, is vital for the Cowboys.
“It was pretty big for us. He’s a big part of why we’re going well this season,” Payne said.
“He really tightens us up defensively and gets through heaps of work in attack.
“He’s got an Aussie rules background and he’s got a good motor which comes from that. He’s got good spatial awareness and is very skilful with the ball.”
Next year the under- 20s system will fall under the Queensland Cup and NSW Cup banners, with Cowboys juniors to play for feeder clubs Townsville Blackhawks, Mackay Cutters and Northern Pride.
“I think the NYC competition was good, but the advantage of this structure next year is we’ll be able to save some money as a club, put more money into our feeder teams and it’s probably a better pathway for the kids,” Payne said.
“We get to keep a lot of the locals playing for our three feeder teams, so some more juniors will get a chance.
“In turn that will strengthen the local leagues and keep them in rugby league.”
NYC elimination final: Cowboys v Manly at Allianz Stadium, tomorrow, 11.15am