Enjoy it, skipper urges rookies
COWBOYS skipper Gavin Cooper has implored his young troops yet to taste grand final week to embrace the bedlam after they were welcomed home by hordes of fans yesterday.
North Queensland still has 12 players that featured in their maiden premiership in 2015, but the euphoric scenes at Townsville Airport are a foreign experience for youngsters like Te Maire Martin and Corey Jensen.
But the Cowboys players won’t be shielded from the hype before Sunday’s decider against Melbourne in Sydney. They’ll be encouraged to lap it up.
“It’s a good ride to be a part of. Being here two years ago, there are a few of us in our team who know what to expect from the week,” Cooper said.
“We’ll get to enjoy it. I’ll get in the boys’ ears that weren’t there two years ago and really get them to embrace it.
“History shows you’re not there that much in your career, and when you do you have to enjoy it.”
Cowboys coach Paul Green backed his side not to get overawed by the hype.
“It’s a special week. They deserve it and have to embrace and enjoy it, but make sure the whole aim of the week is next Sunday.” Cooper believed this year’s finals charge from eighth gives this campaign a different feel to 2015.
“We didn’t face as many challenges that year as we did this year,” Cooper said.
“The challenges and adversity that has been thrown our way has brought this group closer together.
“I keep talking about how good our group is going to be next year, but we can’t look past what we’re doing at the moment, and what we’re doing is pretty special.
“People keep writing us off and everyone keeps saying it’s not about outside pressure, but you always love proving doubters wrong.
“Yes it’s great this reception here, but I remember the reception the year we won the grand final and it was five times this.”
The Cowboys returned from Saturday’s win over the Roosters with a relatively clean bill of health, with an eye injury to Ethan Lowe not considered too serious.
“We didn’t get too many problems coming out of the game apart from Lowey. Just a black eye and not ( a fracture) at this stage, I don’t think, but we’ll check it out properly.”
Green says Matt Scott will again be part of the 21- man squad but insists he’s yet to decide whether or not he makes a miraculous return to the team.
“We’ll do some recovery tomorrow ( Monday) and see how everyone’s pulled up,” Green said.