IN-FORM DRINKWATER KEEPS HAMMER COCKED ON THE BENCH
COWBOYS coach Todd Payten has resisted the urge to rush Maroons flyer Hamiso Tabuai-fidow back into his starting side as North Queensland builds a “team-first mentality”.
Tabuai-fidow made a triumphant return from a torn PCL in Darwin last week, shredding the Parramatta defence in a 14minute cameo that netted a try, two linebreaks and five tackle breaks in the 35-4 win.
The Hammer also ran for 133m, more than all but three of his teammates.
But as North Queensland shoots for a fourth straight win on Saturday when it plays a rudderless Newcastle at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Payten has stuck with Scott Drinkwater at fullback.
The utility has been in irresistible form over the past three weeks as Tabuai-fidow continued his recovery.
Halfback Chad Townsend, who celebrated his 200th NRL game in his eighth appearance for the Cowboys, said Tabuai-fidow would have no qualms starting from the bench due to the club’s “team-first” approach.
“If Hammer has to come off the bench, he’s prepared to do that,” he said.
“The team comes first, and we have a whole squad mentality, which is great. It’s always a good position when the coaches have tough decisions to make.”
After starting the season with two wins, the Knights have lost six straight, scoring a dismal four tries across those five games and none in their past 188 minutes.
Given the strength of the Cowboys’ performances in the past three weeks, in particular the defensive mettle shown against the Eels, fans are expecting a win.
The Cowboys will aim to do so with one of the NRL’S most electrifying men starting off the bench.
Drinkwater started the season with Mackay in the Hostplus Cup but has been a revelation.