Granty
29-02-2008, 08:31 AM
http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2008/02/29/11040_cowboys.html
Tough trial for young Cowboys
CRAIG BAXTER
29Feb08
THE North Queensland Cowboys under-20 team face their toughest test of the pre-season when they meet reigning Townsville premiers Brothers tonight.
The match at Jack Manski Oval is the final hitout for the young Cowboys before the inaugural NRL under-20 competition starts next month.
Coach Grant Bell said his charges could expect a stern examination from a Brothers team he rated arguably the strongest in North Queensland.
"If Brothers aren't the best team at a club level in North Queensland, they're certainly up and around it," Bell said.
"We haven't picked a final best line-up, we've tried to pick a team that allows us to look at a number of different combinations."
Tom Humble, Steve Elliott, Ricky Griffiths, James Munns, Daniel Vineula, Blayne Harling and Chris Reisen will miss tonight's match as they have been named in a Cowboys reserves team to meet Mackay Cutters at Dairy Farmers Stadium tomorrow night.
The Cowboys under-20s played two trials last weekend, defeating Innisfail on Friday night before losing to Charters Towers on Sunday.
Bell said matches against senior opposition were proving valuable.
"For many of our guys it's their first chance to play senior football, to play against adults," Bell said.
"We've certainly learned a lot about our squad out of it."
Kick-off tonight is at 6.30.
Cowboys under-20 team: Sam Bowie, Steve Beaumont, Tyson Martin, Brandon Boor, Obe Geia, Brady Payne, Ray Thompson, Shaun Maloney, Ryan Carr, Josh Land, Leo Faagutu, Chris Faust, Nick Slyney. Interchange: Robbie Congoo, Casey Lillyman, Nathan Barraclough, Dane Hogan, Ben Spina.
Tough trial for young Cowboys
CRAIG BAXTER
29Feb08
THE North Queensland Cowboys under-20 team face their toughest test of the pre-season when they meet reigning Townsville premiers Brothers tonight.
The match at Jack Manski Oval is the final hitout for the young Cowboys before the inaugural NRL under-20 competition starts next month.
Coach Grant Bell said his charges could expect a stern examination from a Brothers team he rated arguably the strongest in North Queensland.
"If Brothers aren't the best team at a club level in North Queensland, they're certainly up and around it," Bell said.
"We haven't picked a final best line-up, we've tried to pick a team that allows us to look at a number of different combinations."
Tom Humble, Steve Elliott, Ricky Griffiths, James Munns, Daniel Vineula, Blayne Harling and Chris Reisen will miss tonight's match as they have been named in a Cowboys reserves team to meet Mackay Cutters at Dairy Farmers Stadium tomorrow night.
The Cowboys under-20s played two trials last weekend, defeating Innisfail on Friday night before losing to Charters Towers on Sunday.
Bell said matches against senior opposition were proving valuable.
"For many of our guys it's their first chance to play senior football, to play against adults," Bell said.
"We've certainly learned a lot about our squad out of it."
Kick-off tonight is at 6.30.
Cowboys under-20 team: Sam Bowie, Steve Beaumont, Tyson Martin, Brandon Boor, Obe Geia, Brady Payne, Ray Thompson, Shaun Maloney, Ryan Carr, Josh Land, Leo Faagutu, Chris Faust, Nick Slyney. Interchange: Robbie Congoo, Casey Lillyman, Nathan Barraclough, Dane Hogan, Ben Spina.