Thumper of a challenge
Green believed it was no more evident than in the Cowboys’ loss to the Knights at the weekend, when the warhorse prop refused to remain on the bench after he was offered to not go back on the field for a second stint.
While he will talk with players about their emotions around the shock of the stroke, Green said he would be surprised if anyone requested to sit out Friday night’s clash at 1300SMILES Stadium.
“I would be surprised if anyone didn’t want to play. I think if you look at what Matt is all about, and you only have to go back to the weekend’s game,” Green said.
“He was given the option not to go back out for his second stint, but that was never an option for him, he was almost offended for suggesting it. There was no way he wasn’t going back out there.
“I think players need to take a bit of that attitude with them.”
Hooker Jake Granville rallied his teammates to “play with pride”, against a Panthers side eyeing a top eight spot.
Despite languishing near the bottom of the table, and out of finals contention, the 30-year-old dummy-half said the club were out to make amends for last week’s loss.
“We’re looking to rectify that on Friday,” he said. “We just have to turn up against the Panthers. They’re a strong side and they’ve got plenty to play for. Just the way it’s gone this year we haven’t got much confidence there (in attack).
“We could chance our arm a bit but they’re a tough side and we’ll need to focus on the fundamentals of the game, just the simple parts.”
Scott’s absence will see Scott Bolton move into the front row, with Coen Hess returning to the bench.
Jordan Kahu will come in off the wing to fill in at left centre, with Murray Taulagi called back into the NRL side after playing for the Townsville Blackhawks on Sunday.
Jason Taumalolo, who sat out the loss to the Knights with a foot injury, has been named on the extended reserves and will be given until later in the week to prove his fitness. Young gun Peter Hola will make his third straight start.