BOLTON IN A SPIN
VETERAN Cowboy Scott Bolton loves getting in the washing machine.
It’s not a youthful prank, and he doesn’t want to see how his clothes get clean, it’s how the 32-year-old Innisfail product refers to the middle of the field.
And if you ask Bolton why it’s called the washing machine, well it’s simple.
“It’s just up, back and around everywhere. It is just doing your best, chasing that footy around. You are up and down off the ground tackling and reloading. (That’s why) it’s called the washing machine,” he said.
“It is something you do love. It’s what I have played all my life, in the middle there. I enjoy the contest.”
In recent weeks, the 238game veteran has found himself thrown in the washing machine a lot earlier than expected, starting games as the Cowboys dealt with injuries to their forward stocks.
Bolton started three out of the past five games for the Cowboys, and it has seen a dramatic increase to his metreage, averaging a touch under 100 metres per game over the past month.
But rather than look at his own performances, Bolton has been particularly impressed with the efforts of his fellow forwards including young bulls Corey Jensen and Francis Molo.
Jensen has had few opportunities in first grade this season, but has been a regular feature on Paul Green’s extended 21-man squad each week thanks in large part to his efforts with Queensland Cup outfit Townsville Blackhawks.
Jensen has averaged 156.5 metres per game over his nine appearances for the Blackhawks while also proving his starch in defence averaging more than 23 tackles per game.
“He played the Gold Coast game, and got knocked out only a couple of minutes in,” Bolton said. “He has had a pretty unlucky run over the past month, but he has been playing some pretty great footy in the Queensland Cup here at the Blackhawks.
“He is a quiet sort of bloke and very eager to learn and very professional. Those guys you like to see get rewarded with a bit of luck and games of footy.”
Molo has also been impressive off the bench for the Cowboys this season, providing an extra spark either side of half time.
“(Molo) has had the best year I have seen him play, probably coming off the back of his best pre-season as well,” Bolton said.
“He has been unbelievable for us.
“Everyone saw the shot he put on against the Gold Coast. If we can get some more of that out of him it would be awesome.
“He is 100 mile an hour until he is out on his feet. It is a credit to him, he has worked very hard and he is getting some more minutes which is great for us.”
The Cowboys will need its entire forward pack firing on all cylinders against South Sydney.