Can't fault their attitude so far - Henry

Toyota Cowboys coach Neil Henry says his NRL squad will have deserved a break when they get to the end of the first half of pre-season training on Saturday.

It’s been a hectic five weeks for the top squad who have worked hard on their fitness outdoors and indoors since day one on 19 November with two-a-day sessions common and very few days off.

An increase in the temperature and humidity this week has added to the difficulty, with on-field sessions starting as early as 7am.

The Cowboys will resume training on 7 January and it will be just a month before their first pre-season trial against the Brisbane Broncos at Mt Isa.

“It’s been a tough five weeks and it’s not finished yet,” Henry said after Tuesday morning’s session at James Cook University.

“The boys will get a bit of a break and they’re looking forward to it.

“When they come back on the seventh of January it won’t be long until we’re into the trials.

“I hope the boys have a good break and they come back nice and fresh again.

“I can’t fault their attitude through the training so far.”

The six Cowboys who had off-season shoulder surgery – Matthew Bowen, Brent Tate, Anthony Mitchell, Ray Thompson, Rory Kostjasyn and Alex Elisala – are the only players currently on the injured/rehab list and they are expected to join their teammates in skills training for the first time when pre-season resumes.

They will build into contact sessions closer to the end of January and should be fine to play in the trials.