Lemuelu pushed to remind Cowboys of his skill
COWBOYS second-rower Connelly Lemuelu has been urged to rediscover his best – and add 10 per cent more – when he lines up for the Northern Pride in their crunch clash with the Capras on Saturday night.
Lemuelu moved from the centres to the forward pack this year, and will again suit up for the Pride as he chases a recall into the Cowboys’ NRL team.
Pride coach Ty Williams has urged the 23-year-old to produce the form he displayed in the man-of-the-match performance against the Dolphins a fortnight ago, with that now a minimum target for Lemuelu.
By doing that, he gives himself the best chance of forcing his way back into Todd Payten’s Cowboys squad, which will shoot for four straight against Newcastle in Townsville on Saturday.
“He needs to be doing all of the little things,” Williams said.
“He did all of that well last time he played for us, when he was man of the match against Redcliffe. That’s now the minimum, and he has to raise the bar even higher.
“It’s go out there, do all the little things right, and keep reminding Toddy that you’re available for selection.”
Mareeba product Ben Hampton will also drop back from Cowboys duty for the Pride, with Thomas Steadman shifting to 18th man. Terrence Casey Douglas will likely move to the bench while Tom McGrath drops out of the squad.
Julian Christian will also start at fullback, with Jahoiyakim Afoa set to start for the Hastings Deering Colts team.
The resurgent Capras have had an outstanding start to the Hostplus Cup season, with their last-start loss to Brisbane Tigers the only blemish on the Rockhampton club’s record.
Williams said his side had to pressure halfback Jack Madden, while being wary of a left edge which includes consistent pair Jonus Pearson and Nixon Putt.
“They have scored eight tries from kicks coming from Jock, but we found the Tigers were able to pressure him and it dried up,” he said. “We need to be on our best.”