Green joy as Clifford steps up

COWBOYS coach Paul Green has revealed he considered throwing bench utility Ben Hampton into the halves against Brisbane last week before youngster Jake Clifford stepped up.

Clifford was hesitant playing alongside childhood hero Johnathan Thurston in his first three NRL games, but backed himself late against Brisbane to set up a try which helped spark a comeback win. Green hopes it’s a moment where Clifford found the confidence he belongs at the top level.

“The last 20 minutes he had a couple of good plays and started to back himself, which is what we’ve been telling him to do since he’s been here ( in the NRL side),” Green said.

“He should take some confidence out of that game. We need him to start like that, not wait until the last 20 minutes.

“I was considering leaving Ben Hampton out there in the halves, but Cliffo started to play for us. Later in the game he found his voice and that’s what we want from him.”

Green has opted for size to combat the experienced Cronulla pack in Thurston’s final game in Sydney on Saturday night by opting for Francis Molo over Shaun Fensom.

Fensom was ruled out of last week’s Brisbane clash after suffering a concussion against the Roosters the week before.

Skilful forward John Asiata replaces Jason Taumalolo at lock after he accepted a one match ban for a shoulder charge.

“They’re a pretty big pack, Cronulla. Just having that size will help,” Green said. “Frank, when given an opportunity, has shown in the past he can contribute there. Johnny ( Asiata) brings a bit of skill, he’s got a really good passing game which we’ve all seen.”