Legend expects Cowboys to thrive
QUEENSLAND legend Gorden Tallis has backed the Cowboys to go from cellar dwellers to premiership contenders this year as they gear up for their blockbuster season-opener against the Broncos next week.
North Queensland are under pressure to improve on their past two seasons, where they finished 13th and 14th in back-to-back seasons.
The club ub has recruited strongly over ver the off-season, luring superstar fullback Valentine lentine Holmes back from his stint tint in the NFL, FL, while Kiwi wi international nal Esan Marststers has bolstered the Cowboys outside back stocks. ocks.
The Cowboys wboys have also enjoyed d a less distracting pre-season, after the devastating Townsville floods in February last year forced several players and staff to be evacuated from their homes.
A three-time premiership winner and NRL Australian Hall of Famer, Tallis has tipped the North Queensland club to bounce back to winning ways this season, following two seasons of missing a finals berth.
“The Cowboys will go close to winning it,” Tallis said.
“They’ve got Val Holmes coming back and Esan Marsters is up there now as well.
“(Michael) Morgan’s got his body back. They’ve found a halfback in (Jake) Clifford, plus (Scott) Drinkwater is good.”
Tallis claimed the club’s new stadium would also be a huge advantage for the home side, kicking off with a blockbuster against the Broncos tomorrow week.
The Townsville product said the fact it had a roof and would keep a lot of the noise and atmosphere inside would create North Queensland’s own “fortress”. fortress .
Speaking at The Courier-mail’s NRL Season L Launch on Mon Monday, Cowboy boys coach Pau Paul Green sai said the club wa was incredibl ibly excited to pla play at the new Queensland Country Bank St Stadium.
“It’s tre tremendous,” Green said.
“It’s very visible. You see it driving through the city now.
“Everyone is really excited for that first game.”
Tallis was adamant the club should not endure a tumultuous start to the season similar to last year.
“Last year they had Ben Barba (released), Kyle Feldt (groin) and Nene Macdonald (released) ruled out early,” he said.
“They’re the players in your three best positions.
“The Cowboys should be a bit better this year but, then again, it’s footy.”