sidelined

Coach: Neil Henry

Gains: Shannon Gallant (Tigers), Isaak Ah Mau (Broncos), Will Tupou
(Broncos), Leeson Ah Mau (Warriors), Willie Mason (from the wilderness)

Losses: Shane Tronc (Wakefield), Travis Burns (Panthers),
Dayne Weston (Burleigh Bears)

In 2009, the Cowboys finished 12th.

2010 Squad: Mitchell Achurch, Isaak Ah Mau, Leeson Ah Mau, Clint Amos, Michael Bani, Scott Bolton, Brandon Boor, Matthew Bowen, Shannon Gallant, Obe Geia, Ashley Graham, Antonio Kaufusi, Donald Malone, Manase Manuokafoa, Willie Mason, Luke O’Donnell, Aaron Payne, Steve Rapira, Grant Rovelli, Matthew Scott, Nick Slyney, Steve Southern, James Tamou, Johnathan Thurston, Willie Tonga, Anthony Watts, Carl Webb, John Williams, Ty Williams

The North Queensland Cowboys draw for 2010.

In 2010, the Cowboys will…

…struggle some more. Tronc is a big loss for the Cowboys’ go forward and Webb has been disappointing over the last few years. And I don’t think the signing of Big Willie is going to help that much. Oh fer sure some league pundits have predicted Wille to return to the NSW side this season but at the expense of who? Even with a good season he will be well down the pecking list of NSW backrowers.

A big problem is the absence of Bowen. He’ll be out for the first few months. While the Cowboys struggle without Thurston, they also seem to struggle without Bowen even if Thurston is fit.

It is hard to write off a side that includes a player of Thurston’s ability. But the Cowboys need another point of attack that doesn’t involve Thurston (regardless of how good he is) for variety. I see the Cowboys being competitive here and there during the season but consistency will be their problem. Get on top of their forwards and Thurston will find it tough to weave his magic. A slow start to the season with Bowen missing plus the usual problems during Origin will see them fail to make the eight.

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