Attack best way to dodge spoon
THE Cowboys have vowed to attack their way out of the cellar as the most congested wooden spoon battle in years only intensified this weekend.
Despite their best period of the year – in which they defeated Newcastle, pressed the Roosters to the brink and beat Brisbane 34- 30 – the Cowboys slipped from 15th to dead last this week.
Parramatta’s 40- 4 slaughter of slumping St George Illawarra on Saturday allowed the Eels to leapfrog the Cowboys.
With three rounds left, Manly ( 16 points, - 80), Gold Coast ( 16, - 112), Canterbury ( 14, - 73), Parramatta ( 14, - 88) and the Cowboys ( 14, - 102) are all contenders to be lumped with the NRL’s most unwanted title.
The Cowboys haven’t claimed the spoon since 2000 and the good news is their destiny is largely in their own hands.
Their last fortnight of the competition – Parramatta in Johnathan Thurston’s final home game and Gold Coast away – will likely decide their fate.
They face Cronulla in Sydney on Saturday likely without Jason Taumalolo, who faces suspension for a shoulder charge on Bronco Jamayne Isaako.
The Titans squandered a late lead against Penrith on Saturday to join the wooden spoon race, and face one of the toughest runs home with Manly ( away), Melbourne ( home) and Cowboys ( home).
“Obviously no one wants to get the spoon,” Cowboys co- captain Matt Scott said before the victory over Brisbane.
“We’re not really talking about it or thinking about it too much at the moment. It’s about trying to win some games and finishing the year off strongly.
“Obviously ( in) JT’s last year no one wanted to send him out the way we have.”
Criticised at times this season for being too structured, the Cowboys played with more attacking freedom against the Broncos. Unlike in the previous games against the Knights and Roosters, when they didn’t break the shackles until falling well behind, they took more risks from the opening whistle.
“It looked like we were playing with a lot of energy. We weren’t afraid to move the ball and take a couple of risks,” injured Cowboys half Michael Morgan said.
“Everyone’s a bit more relaxed now. The season is what it is and we’re disappointed we’re at the bottom, but there’s not too much to lose now.
“We can throw the footy around and try a few things. Greeny ( coach Paul Green) has been encouraging us to go away from our structures and try things.
“He would much rather see someone make an error having a red- hot crack then make one second- guessing themselves.
“He’s always been encouraging to go outside the structures if we want to try something. The way we’ve played this year probably hasn’t shown that.”
Young Cowboys half Jake Clifford said being more positive had been a big focus leading into the Broncos clash.
“Last week we started playing footy in the 60th minute and this week we wanted to do that from the start,” Clifford said.
“I feel like we did that, stripped them down a few times and got some early points. We didn’t want to be behind and then start playing some footy – we wanted to do it straight away.” SPOON RACE 16th Cowboys ( 14 points, - 102): ( a), Eels ( h), Titans ( a)
15th Eels ( 14, - 88): ( a), Roosters ( h)
14th Bulldogs ( 14, Dragons ( a), Sharks ( h)
13th Titans ( 16, - 112): Storm ( h), Cowboys ( h)
12th Sea Eagles ( 16, Tigers ( a), Broncos ( a) Storm ( a), Cowboys - 73): Warriors Sea Eagles - 80): Sharks Titans ( h), ( a), ( h),