CHIPS ARE DOWN FOR COWBOYS Players finally dealt a hopeful hand
“ALL you need is a chip and a chair, and you’re a show.”
It’s a well- known poker adage coined 35 years ago. American Jack Straus had conceded defeat in the 1982 World Series of Poker. His chips were gone.
But after finding a chip under a napkin, he rallied to win the title.
North Queensland skipper Gavin Cooper dusted off the phrase in the buoyant Cowboys dressing sheds after their extra time win over Cronulla last week.
It fits like a glove. Two weeks ago, the Cowboys players and coaching staff were splintered off in groups, hoping the Bulldogs would upset the Dragons in round 26 to keep their season alive.
When Dragons captain Gareth Widdop slotted a penalty goal to give his side a 20- 14 lead, the Cowboys were 17 minutes away from Mad Monday.
But two late Bulldogs tries allowed them to squeeze into eighth spot, despite the Cowboys losing five of their last six regular season games.
Like a card shark enduring a dry spell, they were finally dealt a favourable hand.
They doubled down by beating defending premiers Cronulla to advance to the second round of finals against Parramatta tonight.
Like Straus 35 years ago, the Cowboys are desperate to seize their lifeline.
“We truly believe we can go all the way in this competition,” Cowboys prop Scott Bolton declared.
“We’ll keep putting ourselves in good stead for the game.”
Cooper jokes he’s the “Steven Bradbury of captains”, stepping into the role for most of this year after injury struck down Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott.
The back rower revealed he is often guilty of being too unselfish, forgetting, as a Queensland Origin player, he has a crucial role to play individually.
“The toughest part for me is probably trying not to overplay my hand in different areas,” Cooper said.
“I’m still just an edge back rower but trying to help less experienced guys, sometimes I go away from doing my job,” Cooper said.
“We’ve got confidence in the group that if everybody does their job, we’ll be OK.
“Sometimes I can fade off from that, help other boys do their job a little bit more and forget about doing my own.
“I’ve addressed that and we’ve spoken about that, and know if everyone does their job we’ll be fine.
“I keep saying I’m the Steve Bradbury of captains. Our two main boys have gone down, ( but) Jase has stepped up this year and Morgo ( Michael Morgan) has developed into one of the real leaders of our team.
“We’ve shown for a big part of the season it didn’t matter who pulled on the jersey, who wore the infamous No. 7 at the Cowboys, that if we work hard for each other we’ll put ourselves in games.
“Yes we look a bit flustered sometimes.
“But we’ve been finding a way, and we believe we can find a way to go a bit further.
“No one gave us a shot this week, no one will give us a shot next week, but we believe we can win.”