PAIN GAME EASY FOR FELDT

COWBOYS winger Kyle Feldt has played down carrying a groin injury into last season’s grand final, but says North Queensland must retain that grit and tenacity despite the return of Matt Scott and Johnathan Thurston.

The Cowboys carried a number of busted players into the finals but defied the odds by making the decider against Melbourne from eighth spot.

Feldt’s injury was not public knowledge until it was revealed by coach Paul Green after the grand final loss.

“It wasn’t anything major, not as bad as Boltsy ( prop Scott Bolton) or Te Maire ( Martin), a niggling injury you get through the year and you just have to push on,” Feldt said.

“Boltsy is a front rower and I’m only a dirty old winger. If I’ve got a cork I can’t sit out, I’ve got to push through it.”

Without Thurston and Scott, other Cowboys players flourished taking on extra responsibility and Feldt has no doubt they will not sit back now their leaders have returned.

“Coops ( stand- in skipper Gavin Cooper) stood up very well and got a lot of recognition for it through the year,” Feldt ( pictured) said.

“The boys really look up to him and he’s not just a player or mate on the field, he’s someone you can consult off the field about your life dramas.”

Feldt said the pain of losing last year’s grand final was the only spur needed to conquer the heat during pre- season training.