Green says 2015 feeling won’t be be surpassed

NOTHING will surpass North Queensland’s maiden 2015 NRL premiership triumph even if the Cowboys again defy the odds and win this year’s title, according to Paul Green.

The Cowboys coach admitted he had never seen an injury crisis like the one that struck down North Queensland this season, ensuring they were written off before the NRL finals even began.

Still Green believed their 2015 premiership would be more special to his underdog outfit even if they were to pull off a grand final boilover against Melbourne on Sunday.

“Any time a club wins its first premiership, that is special,” he said.

“If we are lucky enough for results to go our way on Sunday night I think it will be a special moment - any premiership is special.

“But you only get one chance to win the first one.

“That is why 2015 will probably always be pretty special.” The Cowboys looked to have yet another injury scare when co- captain Gavin Cooper and centre Justin O’Neill were rested from training on Tuesday. The pair were later cleared but the Cowboys have enough to worry about nursing John Asiata ( hand), Ethan Lowe ( cheekbone), Coen Hess ( knee) and Antonio Winterstein ( ribs) through to the final.

All are certain to play including Asiata despite suffering a fresh break in his left hand in North Queensland’s preliminary final win over Sydney Roosters. Green gave his team the all clear on Tuesday, standing by his call to overlook recovering co- captain Matt Scott for his grand final 17.

“We will get Sunday out of the way and the story can be told but I am proud of what all the players have done all year.”

Thousands of fans piled into 1300SMILES Stadium yesterday after the Cowboys threw open the gates for their final home training session.

And thousands more are expected to line the streets to send off the Cowboys in a grand final parade today.