Dunn setting the pace as hunt for first- grade places heats up
MITCH Dunn had a taste of the NRL last season and now the ball- playing backrower says he’s determined to push his way back into North Queensland’s first- grade squad in 2019.
The Cowboys sweated it out at Townsville Sports Reserve yesterday for their first day of pre- season training as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2018 campaign.
A handful of established first- graders were back on the training paddock, including Coen Hess, John Asiata, and Te Maire Martin, but the bulk of the top squad will return this Monday.
That has paved the way for the club’s rising stars, including Dunn, to set the tone and the 21- year- old said they were trying to make the most of the opportunity.
“We’ve got a fair few younger rookie guys here now, so I think they’ll try and put their best foot forward and impress ‘ Greeny’ ( coach Paul Green) now while they can,” Dunn said. “Pre- season is massive. “It’s how you build your body and physically get ready so it’s almost more important than the start of next year, so we’ve got to start building now.
“We had a pretty long break this year so it was good to get back and see everyone.
“I think it’s going to be a long one and we’ve got a bit on, but we’ve got to be ready for it.”
Dunn made an eye- catching NRL debut against Manly last season, throwing a flick pass with his first touch, which earned him the nickname “Dunny Bill” after dual code superstar Sonny Bill Williams.
It helped the Cowboys to a big win over the Sea Eagles without six of their first- choice forwards and Dunn said earning more game time was his biggest goal during the preseason.
“It made me a lot hungrier to get back there. I’ve just been thinking I want to get back there and get back to that level,” he said.
“I know just how fast it was and how much physically you’ve got to be ready for it so I’ll put some size on now and get a bit quicker.”
One notable absentee during North Queensland’s preseason will be Johnathan Thurston, after the legendary playmaker retired from the NRL at the end of last season.
The Cowboys are heading into a season without Thurston for the first time since 2004, but Dunn joked it wasn’t all bad now the four- time Dally M champion had hung up his playing boots.
“It’s not as annoying actually, he’s not in your ear,” Dunn said.
“It would be good to have him here, it’s a bit different without him.
“Most of the boys are back next week and then a few of the other boys will slowly drift back.
“I’m sure the vibe will pick up when everyone’s here.” BORN: FEBRUARY 3, 1997 JUNIOR CLUB: MACKAY BROTHERS NRL DEBUT: Round 13, 2018 NRL GAMES: 2 POSITION: Second row HEIGHT: 190cm WEIGHT: 99kg Q CUP ALLOCATION: Mackay Cutters NICKNAME: Dunny