PACK SOME PUNCH
COWBOYS coach Paul Green has challenged his understrength forward pack to aim up defensively after they were outpointed by a more desperate and committed Manly last week.
And he’s warned Gold Coast to expect Johnathan Thurston to have a point to prove at Cbus Super Stadium tonight after a rare off game in the 30- 8 home loss.
Without Jason Taumalolo ( suspension) and Matt Scott ( knee) the Sea Eagles were able to generate momentum through the middle before the likes of Tom Trbojevic capitalised out wide.
The Cowboys have been smarting all week after the shock defeat and will look to bounce back against a Titans side which has also been ravaged by injuries.
“They were very disappointed as a group with how they played last week, particularly defensively,” Green said.
“Manly were more desperate than us and defended better than us on the try line.
“We probably let in some tries that were pretty soft and I’d like to see a reaction this week, and that starts with our forwards in particular.”
Thurston welcomed a third daughter into the world this week and as if that isn’t motiv- ation enough, will be itching to get back to his best against the Titans.
“We rarely see him have two off weeks in a row. Probably his kicking game was the biggest area he was disappointed in, and as a team we were off in that area,” Green said.
“They ( Titans) are a tough team and never go away. They compete really well and have some smart halves. I’m expecting an 80 minute grind against a team that doesn’t give up.”
The Cowboys have been boosted by the likely availability of winger Kyle Feldt, who has overcome knee and ankle issues he picked up against Manly to take his place.
Losing another outside back would have been the last thing North Queensland needs with Antonio Winterstein ( arm) and Justin O’Neill ( hamstring) both sidelined.
“He got through training pretty well and pulled up well, he ran Thursday and Friday,” Green said.
“Close enough ( to 100 per cent), with the other injuries we’ve got his experience is pretty valuable for us.
“They ( Titans) will be full of confidence after their win last week against Parramatta, it’ll be a tough game and we need to be on.
“They’re a tough team and never go away.”