Cowboys’ struggles no issue for Origin

Slater’s support for team

Billy Slater insists the Cowboys’ slow start to 2023 won’t cost North Queensland’s stars at the Maroons selection table as Kangaroos terrier Reuben Cotter declared he was ready for an Origin return.

Cotter and his Cowboys teammates will get their final chance to impress Slater in Saturday night’s clash with the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.

The Cowboys had six players pull on the Maroons ons jersey in last year’s series victory as North Queensland cruised to an NRL preliminary finals berth.

But they have been slow out of the blocks this year, ear, with back-to-back k wins in the past fortnight keeping their season alive after they slumped to the bottom four.

The Cowboys’ patchy form has put pressure on their Origin contingent to retain their spots, with Valentine Holmes the only certain Queensland selection.

But Maroons coach Slater said he had been buoyed by the Cowboys’ form in recent weeks.

“It’s not a concern, they are looking like the Cowboys of old,” he said.

“They had energy about their game against the Roosters (20-6 win) and that was good to see because they’ve had some hurdles to overcome this year with injuries and what not.

“Everything gets taken into consideration, but at the end of the day, players playing well and bringing positive actions to the team transfer into the team playing well, not the other way around.

“If the individuals play well, the team will play well, so it’s good to see Cowboys guys like Reuben Cotter and Val getting back to their actions.”

Cotter is a curious case for the Maroons.

The hardworking middle forward was sensational in his Origin debut last year, playing 80 minutes in Queensland’s Game One win in Sydney.

But h he suffered a hamstring strin injury which ruled ru him out of the next n two Origin games before he was selected for the Kangaroos’ successful World Cup campaign.

The Maroons have a wealth of middle forward options to go with seemingly certain selections Pat Carrigan, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Lindsay Collins.

The likes of Tom Flegler, Corey Horsburgh, Christian Welch, Tom Gilbert, Jai Arrow and Moe Fotuaika are jostling with Cotter following the Origin retirement of 23-game Queensland great Josh Papalii.

Cotter said he was ready for an Origin recall.

“I’ll be ready for it if I’m selected,” Cotter said.

“I’m doing my job each week and trying to play my best for the team.”

After playing two Tests for Australia at the World Cup, Cotter had a shortened preseason and then suffered a knee injury in round 3.

He has been back to his best in the past fortnight.