Hess full tilt at fancy footwork
COEN Hess knows that if you stand still, you go backwards.
It’s why the Cowboys hulk is determined to evolve and “get a few more tricks up his sleeve” after conceding he’s found it tough to back the heroics of his first full NRL season last year.
The 22- year- old tearaway says he can no longer rely on monstering opponents, and is working hard to add finesse to his game.
He was almost unstoppable close to the line last season, scoring 13 tries in 27 games, and he was rewarded with Queensland State of Origin selection.
The Mt Isa product wreaked havoc through the middle, but has struggled to reproduce that since returning to the back row this year, with six tries in 20 games.
“It’s been pretty tough. I’m getting a lot more focus close to the line,” Hess said.
“I can’t really dwell on it too much. It’s an opportunity for me to develop as a player.
“It’s a chance to learn a few different things, and get some more tricks up my sleeve.
“It’s tough at the moment, but in the long- run I think it ( this year) will help me out.
“Maybe ( I can) incorporate an offload and some footwork going into the defensive line. I just try and barrel over people.
“Teams are shutting in on me now. If I find some footwork, that might help.”
Hess may find himself roaming in the middle third a little more against Cronulla tomorrow night, which will be retiring Cowboys co- captain Johnathan Thurston’s final game in Sydney.
Jason Taumalolo will miss the game through suspension, while prop Matt Scott ( neck) is in doubt after failing to train on Wednesday.
Hess said he valued the mentorship of Scott when he missed virtually all of last year with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
After missing a few games with a recurrence of his neck problem, the 33year- old had arguably the best game of his season in last week’s come- from- behind win over Brisbane.
“I think people sometimes forget he’s a Test and state front- rower; you don’t lose your skill,” Hess said.
“The injuries are a massive setback, and the ACL is the worst injury that you can get.
“Last year he was massive for all us young forwards. He wasn’t playing, so he took it upon himself to do a bit extra.
“He watched video and gave us an insight that some of us younger fellas wouldn’t have even thought of.
“That was probably his best game last week. We all know that he’s capable of that, he just had a few aches in the neck.
“He provided a lot for us against the Broncos.”