Cowboys and Money, Money, Money

In a week where the dollar spoke as loud as ever in the NRL, I want to shift gears slightly and talk about something I’m sure all fans can enjoy – the resurgence of the North Queensland Cowboys. This club has been shit for a few years – no other way to describe it, they stunk from top to bottom. But now, in 2011, they’re BACK!!

World of Change

The Cowboys had a bit of a clean out over the off-season and they needed it. The club had been coming across as unprofessional, the footy team looked like they didn’t care and the coach had no control. The place was a mess.

But then they made some big decisions – some great decisions. Bringing in hardened professionals like Brent Tate, Dallas Johnson and Glenn Hall was an outstanding move. These guys have played in the NRL for a long time; they’ve won Grand Finals and know what it takes to be in a winning team. Those guys also would not tolerate the crap that was going on there.

You add in solid, experienced footballers like Gavin Cooper plus youthful exuberance in Tariq Sims and Faifai Loa combined with some quality remaining at the club – WINNING!

JT better than ever

Sharing the captaincy with Matt Scott for the 2011 season is the best thing to have happened to Johnathan Thurston. Last year I said they should have made Scott permanent captain and I stand by that – but this is the next best thing.

Thurston is the Cowboys best player in their history; absolutely no doubt about it and they should never let him go. Last season he was playing injured and didn’t have the team playing how he wanted. It all showed too.

Now he is playing with more freedom because the team is actually putting in and playing well. It’s allowed JT to return to the peak of his game which is perfect with the representative season approaching very quickly!

Also, Thurston has now got his old partner in crime back fully fit and playing near his best.

Matty B is BACK

Matt Bowen, that little fella in the number one jersey. When he’s in form he’s just about my favourite player to watch – which is why I’m chuffed he is back after two or three injury-plagued years.

Bowen is back near Origin form at the moment. His returns are dangerous, he’s linking with Thurston in attack and his defence at fullback is outstanding. Bowen is the X-Factor in this side and when he plays well, so do the Cowboys.

I think it’s so great when anyone comes back from a serious injury let alone one of the smallest guys in the competition coming back from TWO very serious knee injuries.

We need a winning Cowboys in Townsville and this year that’s what we’re getting – if they stay fit the Cowboys have no excuses this season.

Bennett and Jamal

I have to give a quick word on this week’s million dollar men. As a Broncos fan I was torn on Wayne Bennett coming back or not. You’d be mad to knock him back but for Brisbane, it may have been a step backwards. Bennett will always be our super coach and the man who built the club’s legacy.

Bennett will be a success at Newcastle and a huge shot in the arm for the game there. I think it’s great for them and wish them luck – it should be a hell of a ride.

I also think the Titans have pulled off the biggest signing in their history to lure Jamal Idris there next year. Idris is the biggest rising star in the game – not just on the field but this guy will be massive off it (in a positive way).

The Titans have a superstar they can build a profile around because Idris is more than a footballer. He is a rare character in a game without characters. He’s also a young guy on the rise; something the Titans don’t really have.

Both Idris and Bennett deserve the money they’ve got this week and will repay it to their new clubs in droves. While it’s very disappointing for the clubs who missed out (especially the Bulldogs), unfortunately that’s the modern game.

But those clubs will roll on and the game will only get better with these signings.

TIPPING

Tips – Bulldogs, Tigers, Manly, Brisbane, Cowboys, Newcastle, Melbourne, Dragons Last Week – 6/8
Total – 22/40 (55%)

That’s it for the week – contact me on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below if you’d like a chat.

Enjoy the weekend,
Keyto