It’s the final opportunity for players to impress coach Paul Green ahead of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys' opening clash in the NRL, when they take on the Titans at Barlow Park in Cairns tonight.
The team had their final hit-out on the ground late Friday afternoon, and while Green says it’s a chance for some players to blow away the cobwebs, others are playing to make their final bid for a round one position.
“There’s plenty to play for and it’s good to have a near full strength team and I’m sure it will be a good trial,” he said.
Players were put through a two-hour field session in the stifling Cairns heat, while plenty of fans got the chance to see the likes of Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and Jason Taumololo run through the drills.
While a win over their fellow Queenslanders would be a big boost, Green and his coaching staff are looking further down the track.
“It’s not so much about the results. You say that now but coaches always want to win but it’s prep for round one and that’s what we’re focused on.”
“You want to get all your best combinations going and start working on those combinations in match type situations,” Green said.
The Cowboys are anticipating a record crowd to roll up to Barlow Park tonight, with members and fans also having the opportunity to watch the Cowboys' NYC squad play their final pre-season trial against Intrust Super Cup premiers Northern Pride.
Game times:
5pm: Cowboys NYC v Northern Pride
7.30pm: North Queensland Toyota Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans
Follow our live match updates at twitter.com/nthqldcowboys!
