RELAUNCHING THE CODE Cowboys prepare for new reality

the game internationally, especially since it’s not well known here in the states.

“I think it’ll be enjoyed, but because of the sport it is. The NFL similarities will intrigue people, but once they watch a bit of it, they’ll appreciate it for how it differs.”

Cowboys superstar fullback Valentine Holmes spent a year’s sojourn in the states with NFL giants NY Jets and he also believes the NRL is at the precipice of breaking into a new market.

Sports broadcaster ESPN has vowed to pick up a few games to show live across the country, giving the NRL an exposure unlike any it has had before.

“I can’t see why (it won’t take off) if they somehow get

SOCIAL media is becoming even more crucial in keeping clubs connected to their fans throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the Cowboys have found the perfect way to do it.

Cowboys digital content executive Nathan Beuman has used a mix of online memes and pop culture references as well as classic league content in an effort to appeal to a wider audience.

It is a move that has worked, with Twitter users referring to the club’s page as the best in the NRL.

While he wasn’t willing to take the plaudits, Beuman said he enjoyed engaging with people in the digital sphere – something that has taken on even more importance in a socially-distanced world.

“I think it’s great to be able to have a bit of fun on social media and engage with people that we may not necessarily reach with our football content,” he said.

“By using GIFS and pop culture references, we hope that we are able to reach a new audience that will hopefully take more of an interest in the club in the future.

“The COVID break has enabled us to do some content that we usually wouldn’t have the time to do during the season like asking fans to vote for their favourite jersey or their best team of the last 25 years.

“The break has also created opportunities to engage with people like Jim Weaver and clubs like Hull FC.” it televised over there,” Holmes said. “The guys at Jets were all intrigued with the sport I played. They all thought it was rugby union because that is all they know over there, they’re all big fans of the All Blacks.

“It would definitely be good to get rugby league more out there. If they want to watch it, I am sure they would be intrigued by it. They like how physical it is, they always ask why we don’t wear pads and a helmet.

“If it does break there it will go well.

“A lot of guys will put their hands up for it. It is not a bad way to get it over there through all of this seeing as we are the only professional sport that’s about to play.” in over

THE stage has been set for the Cowboys season relaunch.

But performing in a crowdless arena is an experience coach Paul Green has his team ready for.

While North Queensland played in front of no spectators away against the CanterburyBankstown Bulldogs, the reality is each player’s hometown routine will change given the coronavirus pandemic.

But at least they will once again take to the Queensland Country Bank Stadium surface.

Green said from his point of view there was no other option – there were logistical challenges being based in Townsville with or without a health pandemic to consider.

He said while the opportunity to play at home was an obvious benefit, the players would need to be prepared that the experience would vastly differ from the norm – something they had addressed as a team.

“I don’t think the crowd thing is much of an issue, we’d love to have crowds there … but that’s not the case,” Green said. “I think it’s more about given what we’ve agreed to live by in terms of standards and protocols, game day at home will be a lot different.

“Guys are used to going out to breakfast, getting out of the house – they don’t have that opportunity.

“We need to have a think about that and not let it creep up on us … we have spoken about it, but until we get to it I don’t think we’ll have a full handle on it, but we are looking at it.”

For the foreseeable future, teams will adhere to their 32man squads, however those who do not feature regularly in the NRL fixtures will have limited opportunities to press their case for selection.

Green said discussions between the club coaches had been under way to determine whether scratch matches for fringe players would be viable with no state competitions to fall back on.

While he said it was a great idea in theory, there were several hurdles to overcome before that could be a reality – such as fields to be played on and the risk of injuries.

In a similar vein, these obstacles relate to the situation of the New Zealand Warriors.

There has been much talk about the club’s ability to call on athletes from other teams to accommodate for squad losses on compassionate grounds and a poor recent run of injuries.

Green said, given what the Warriors had done to keep the NRL alive, the other 15 clubs needed to assist.