https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/cowboys/cowboys-legend-dale-shearer-identifies-mindset-not-skill-to-guide-young-guns/news-story/048d080354367d3a906a4346134d06be
NERVES are going to be inevitable for a young debutant, but Dale Shearer believes harnessing them is the key to making an impact from the first whistle. For a third straight week the Cowboys will award a rising star with a maiden appearance, as winger Connelly Lemuelu follows Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tom Gilbert in starting their NRL journeys. Tabuai-Fidow’s rise has in particular been met with anticipation after his stunning showcase of speed and skill at the Perth Nines. While he began on the win against the New Zealand Warriors, he impressed in his move to fullback when Valentine Holmes limped from the field and will assume the No.1 jersey against Wests Tigers. There are parallels between Shearer, who finished his career in North Queensland, and the tearaway known as The Hammer. Both made their professional debuts as teenagers, both blessed with searing pace. But Shearer, a Queensland Origin legend, said it would be more than speed that gets Tabuai-Fidow and co. up and running. It was a confidence factor, and comfort in the knowledge they had made it to the team — age was now irrelevant.
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https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/cowboys/its-on-us-new-cowboys-skipper-jason-taumalolo-deflects-coach-pressure-to-the-players/news-story/5ac2d13c85398f3f1cce1fdb0001a0bf
THE buck does not stop with Paul Green, it is up to the North Queensland playing group to get the job done. That is the opinion of Cowboys lock Jason Taumalolo, who has put the onus on the team to bounce back ahead of his first game captaining the club. With Michael Morgan and Jordan McLean sidelined with injuries, the Tongan skipper and victorious Perth Nines leader will have the ‘c’ next to his name for the first time at NRL level, however he does not expect his game to change. While he described the chance to lead the team as “a huge honour”, Taumalolo said the job easily could have gone to Josh McGuire or Gavin Cooper so it would ultimately be his actions on the field that led and, hopefully, inspired his teammates. And it is through his performance he hopes the rest of the side can rally around and deflect the external pressure on his coach after disappointing back-to-back losses. The only way to do that was to “win at all costs”. https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/cowboys/no-kicking-stones-key-to-clifford-masterclass-with-the-boot/news-story/ae158f473495ee1953c0193f4799b84f
THERE is an opportunity for Jake Clifford to prove he is not just a Michael Morgan replacement — he is out to show he is a must-pick each week. The 22-year-old Cowboy took the reins in the No. 7 jumper against the Gold Coast Titans, putting on a clinic with the boot to highlight his ability to control the game. It was his combination with Scott Drinkwater, and the manner in which they combined, that was cause for excitement. As much of a loss as Morgan is as both a leader and attacking threat, the signs were there that North Queensland were in good hands. Clifford overcame his initial disappointment at not being picked in the starting 17 when the pre-season ended. He did not kick stones, he got to work. And now he says the challenge is on to consistently deliver what he did on Friday night and continue to lead the team around the park. |
AuthorThis section showcases a collection of some of the work I did covering the North Queensland Cowboys - from match reports, to player features to breaking news. Archives
June 2020
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