FORWARDS READYING FOR A WAR
COWBOYS coach Todd Payten is adamant his troops must fight fire with fire against Manly’s big men.
The Cowboys have gone for size in their starting pack, with Jordan Mclean, Coen Hess and Jason Taumalolo spearheading their assault.
While Mitch Dunn is waiting in the wings to add a ball-playing dimension to the middle of the field and free up the Cowboys’ spine, Payten said it was imperative they “bang down the door” and blunt the Manly forwards before aiming to be fancy with the ball.
Hess’s return from a biceps strain, which was confirmed after the Cowboys’ captain’s run on Friday, is a massive boost in that battle, with Payten adamant the fringe Origin forward has been his most consistent this season.
“He is a big in for us. He has been our most consistent forward over the course of the season,” Payten said.
“I think the way that he moves defensively and gets off the line and puts pressure on the opposition has been a real asset for us and he has been strong when he carries the ball.
“I have spoken to the guys around him and I have spoken to Coen himself about talking to the guy next to him and taking him with him.
“I think he puts a lot of pressure on the opposition kickers, they know when he is coming for them and it is a good part of his game.
“We are playing a big pack who manhandled us last time down (at 4 Pines Park) in Brooky. We will fight fire with fire with our biggest bodies in the middle of the park.
“A big focus for us has been on winning our tackles this week, which starts in the middle of the park.
“We got rolled in that department last match.”
One of those bigger bodies ready to spark an assault on the Sea Eagles will be rookie forward Griffin Neame.
The 20-year-old firebrand, who broke into the Cowboys squad last month, has been included on Payten’s bench and will play a key role in the forwards’ rotation.
Neame played 35 minutes across two stints against the Dragons last week, charging into tiring forwards just before halftime before providing a late flurry at the back end of the
We will fight fire with fire with our biggest bodies in the middle. Todd Payten
game. The hardworking Kiwi said he was determined to keep taking his opportunities in the top grade, as he aims to cement his spot in the Cowboys pack for next season.
“They have got a couple of big boys, we need to get up quick and get in their faces,” Neame said.
“We need to take the pressure off, get up and hit them hard. Big boys fall down easy.
“As soon as I get on I have to bring heaps of energy, just go forward and move off the line. Get the good ball for the backs. Relay what the big boys have done at the start of the game.
“Just go out there and try and play the best I can. Do my job and hopefully get a win with the boys.”
The clash kicks off at QCB Stadium at 5.30pm on Saturday.