Opacic keeps up optimistic mood
IT WILL be his first Queensland Derby on his new home soil, but Cowboys centre Tom Opacic believes the emotion of the occasion is the last thing on his mind.
The former Bronco played in two Queensland Derby clashes during his time at Red Hill including the 2016 major semi-final in front of 23,000 people at 1300SMILES Stadium. Opacic knows what to expect in terms of atmosphere and emotion, but according to the centre getting the win comes first.
“We have played them already this season, maybe back then there was extra emotion,” he said. “But now it is all about us.
“It is about our team, everyone doing their job for each other and getting the win.”
The Cowboys have lost six of their past seven games and the club sits two wins outside the top eight in 13th spot.
Opacic, however, believes they can turn that form line around with a strong showing against the Broncos.
“We need to kick this season into gear.
“We have five games to go, we are all going to rip in.
“Everyone is sticking together, the effort is there. It is not like everyone is not putting in 100 per cent every week, it’s just things aren’t coming off for us. The tide will change, it will come.”
Opacic has led the charge on that front for the Cowboys, being one of the side’s most consistent since making the switch from the Broncos.
It was a chance to make a new start for himself, and get more opportunity on the field that the 24-year-old could not pass up.
“(It was) just for an opportunity, a bit of a change and a challenge for myself.
“I think I got a bit too comfortable there and I just wasn’t performing the best,” he said.
“I think I am in the best shape I have been in and the best form this year as well.”