North Queensland Toyota Cowboys back-rower Ethan Lowe says his teammate trio that helped the Queensland Maroons to State of Origin glory will be better for some extra rest this week.
Head coach Paul Green gave captain Gavin Cooper, Michael Morgan and Coen Hess the day off training on Wednesday after the three players backed up from last week’s series-winning Game III in Brisbane with strong club performances against the Rabbitohs in Cairns.
And with the Cowboys hosting the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday in Round 20 NRL action, Lowe said his teammates deserved the break.
"Morgo and Coops played 80 minutes each in the Origin and then against the Rabbitohs four days later, while Hessy played good minutes in Origin and big minutes on Sunday, so definitely they’ve earned a bit of a rest," Lowe said.
“We’ve got just under a third of the regular season left now – seven straight games of home and away matches, so the players will take opportunity to refresh and reload, and I think it’s a great move for the overall health of the team.
“We know what we’re going to get out of those boys every week, so, with the build up to the Origins this year, we’ve grown accustomed to training without them.”
Lowe will be among the forward leaders for the Cowboys against an enigmatic Warriors side who will be without silky-skilled halfback Shaun Johnson, out with a serious knee injury.
The Cowboys will be chasing a fourth straight win – and their 12th of the season – on Saturday night, with victory solidifying the team’s place in the top six and a top four finish to the season a real possibility.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 7.30pm and will be part of NRL Women in League Round.