Green wants extra effort as injuries hit

NORTH Queensland coach Paul Green says it will take a collective effort to offset the loss of four key players for today’s NRL clash with Manly. The Cowboys will be without the suspended Jason Taumalolo for two games plus injured trio Matt Scott (knee, season), Lachlan Coote (calf) and Antonio Winterstein (broken arm).

Ethan Lowe will replace Taumalolo at lock, with Coen Hess moving into the second row and Canberra recruit Shaun Fensom in line for his club debut off the bench at 1300SMILES Stadium.

In the backs, Kalyn Ponga is set for his first NRL appearance of the year at fullback with Javid Bowen out on the wing. Green is confident the Cowboys have enough depth to cope and book their third win of the season.

“Everyone needs to contribute a little bit more,” he said.

“They’re leading players in our team, obviously good players, so it’s just about everyone doing their job well.”

Teenager Ponga has not played in the top grade since he was blooded by the Cowboys in last year’s finals.