Tough Cowboy looks like defying his injury
Fensom set to take on Rabbitohs nine days after dislocating elbow
SHAUN Fensom has developed a cult following by defying medical science.
With Fensom dislocating his elbow against Wests Tigers just nine days ago, the Cowboys’ Coen Hess has lauded his teammate’s courage as inspiring in the lead-up to tonight’s game against South Sydney in Townsville.
Fensom’s remarkable dedication to play on with severe ligament damage could be the spur to help ignite the Cowboys’ flailing season, after he got through captain’s run unscathed yesterday.
The 29-year-old refused to sit out the session and his inclusion is a big boost with fellow middle forwards Jordan McLean and John Asiata out long-term.
After suffering a horrific broken leg in last year’s grand final, Fensom contacted Cowboys co-captain Matt Scott from hospital to apologise for letting his teammates down.
During his time at Canberra, he completed a weights session unaware he had broken his arm the day before, played a semi-final with a lacerated kidney and had to be restrained by teammates from returning to the field with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
“He’s obviously a pretty inspiring bloke – he’s one of the toughest guys I’ve played with,” Hess said.
“I guess that’s just Fenno being Fenno. You can’t say much else about him, just a hardworking bloke who goes about his business.
“You rarely hear a complaint out of him, unless he can go out
fishing or something like that.
“If he can pop his elbow back in and still be willing to defend (against the Tigers), there’s no excuse for us blokes who are 100 per cent fit.”
Two other Cowboys under injury clouds – Jason Taumalolo (ankle) and Ben Hampton (ankle) – both completed the captain’s run and are expected to play.
Taumalolo said if Fensom was willing to play on with a more serious injury, he had little excuse not to follow suit.
“I don’t know what he eats for breakfast, but I could definitely use some of it,” Taumalolo said.
“Fenno’s always been a tough person, that’s what the boys love about him. “He puts the team first no matter what, even when he’s injured.”
Cowboys coach Paul Green said he expected his injured trio to play.
“Obviously Fenno is the guy who is under most doubt so we just have to make sure they all pull up well, which I’m expecting them to do,” Green said.
“If Fenno didn’t play I’d imagine Frank (Francis Molo) would come in there.
“He (Fensom) is very tough and very mentally tough, as we know, that’s how he plays the game.
“There’s no doubt he could get out there. But he’s got to make sure he gets his job done.
“He’s played enough footy to know whether or not he could do that, that’s the key thing.”
‘‘ HE’S ONE OF THE TOUGHEST GUYS I’VE PLAYED WITH. — COEN HESS ON SHAUN FENSOM