Holmes may gain from hiatus

IT FEELS like everything is just starting again for Paul Green.

The Cowboys’ round two win against the Bulldogs is a distant memory, and there are still plenty of unknowns amid the coronavirus pandemic.

But rugby league is back, and the North Queensland coach knows they have a job to do – take down the Gold Coast Titans.

When the NRL started its season, marquee recruit Valentine Holmes’ name was flashed everywhere.

His return to the game was met with excitement but external expectation.

Rugby league’s postponement could go either way for the fullback, Green said.

It could, like with all players, take him time to find his feet again. However the release of expectations outside of the club could prove a benefit.

“Sometimes I think playing footy week in and out would’ve been a better thing for him,” Green said.

“But it’s certainly taken a bit of pressure off him … he was the word on everyone’s lips when the comp kicked off.

“Everyone was watching him in those first two games and there’s been plenty to talk about since.

“Hopefully in his own mind he’s not feeling any undue pressure … all I know is he’s trained well and I’m excited to see him play.”

Green has consistently said his team have been in good shape heading back into the NRL’S resumption. But performances on the field will be what dictates their success.

The Cowboys’ mentor said of their opening two matches there were disappointments in their defensive efforts.

While the attack clicked at various stages, creating an impenetrable wall for the opposition will be their primary focus tonight.

A return to some form of normality will be a blessing to the rugby league community, and Green said it was up to the players to get on with their work and deliver.

“As we open up and people start to move around again I think everyone is going to have a bit of trepidation around it,” Green said.

“The NRL have taken every step possible to make it as safe as possible so I think that has to give us some confidence, but it’s pretty unsure times for everyone.

“Our job is playing footy and there are plenty of industries back working so we need to get our head around it and get on with it.”