Round 4: North Queensland Cowboys vs Gold Coast Titans

[DIEHARD]

Gold Coast Titans shrug off salary cap drama ahead of Cowboys clash ?

THE salary cap storm swirling around the Titans shows no sign of abating but coach John Cartwright says the mental fortitude of his side will ensure they are not blown off course.

The NRL intensified its investigation into allegations of salary cap breaches made by disgruntled builder and former sponsor Alex Simpson this week as auditor Ian Schubert flew into the Coast to meet with both Simpson and Titans CEO Michael Searle.

To make matters worse, the man at the centre of the allegations, skipper Scott Prince, was sidelined with a broken thumb. But if people are expecting the unbeaten Titans to crack, Cartwright says they have badly under-sold the character of his team.

"I am very proud of the players the way they have handled themselves, very professional," Cartwright said.

"They have just got on with the job.

"The club has been great as well. Michael (Searle) and his team have kept us informed of everything that is going on and what has been going on in the papers isn't a concern.

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"It is very easy to make big statements in a paper, but we are confident time will prove who is right and who is wrong and in the meantime we have to get on with it and play good football.

"We know where we stand. We have total faith and confidence in Michael and his team."

Cartwright expects that same resolve to be on show tonight when the Titans play the Cowboys in Townsville.

While much has been made of Prince's absence, Cartwright points to the fact that his team won both games they played without Prince in 2009 and there will be no room for excuses against the Johnathan Thurston-led Cowboys.

"We have trained really well and we're enthusiastic about our chances," Cartwright said.

"There is a lot of people saying we can't win, and the more they say it the more we like it."

The Cowboys are set to unleash a host of promising rookies, headlined by five-eighth Ray Thompson, but Cartwright said targeting the youngster was not part of his game plan.

"We don't pay too much attention to the opposition," Cartwright said.

"We concentrate on what we have to do."

Asked about what he knew of Thompson's abilities, Cartwright said: "He looks promising. He's a bit Preston Campbell-like actually, he's a young Aboriginal boy, very nippy on his feet and they've obviously got a high opinion of him."

Cowboys coach Neil Henry said he expected Thompson to handle the step up in grade from Toyota Cup.

"He is a confident kid, he is used to doing that role back in the under-20s and JT has been very good with him this week," Henry said.

"They get together to have a talk and he guided him through a few things when we did ballwork yesterday.

"I expect him just to step up and do the job."

http://www.couriermail.com.au

[DIEHARD]

North Queensland Cowboys coach Neil Henry looks to ignite his team's campaign

The North Queensland Cowboys cull continued on Friday, with former Origin forward Carl Webb the latest player to be sent packing to Queensland Cup as coach Neil Henry looks to ignite his team's campaign.

While a calf injury hampered Webb's hopes of staying in the top grade, the promotion of Ray Thompson, Will Tupou and James Tamou in place of Grant Rovelli, Michael Bani and Steve Southern, together with the addition of Leeson Ah Mau, is a clear sign Henry wants to energise his side with youthful enthusiasm.

"Carl Webb will play for the Northern Pride this week," Henry said.

"He needs to get a bit more game time. He had an injury early in the week and didn't train. We thought he might need the week off, but to his credit he wanted to play, so he'll go north and we'll hopefully get him 60 minutes."

Ah Mau was signed by the Cowboys from the Warriors in the off-season, together with older brother Isaak, who had been contracted to Brisbane Broncos.

"Leeson has been training really well and playing Queensland Cup down at the Cutters and been one of their best forwards, getting plenty of time on the field," Henry said.

"He gets an opportunity. He has good footwork, a bit of an off-load and he's a solid defender. He's been a handful in the Queensland Cup, getting a lot of line breaks and he's quick on his feet.

"I'm very happy with his work rate, his fitness levels have come right up, I'm looking forward to seeing him step up."

After a sluggish start to the season, with a dramatic comeback against Penrith standing as their only win in the opening three rounds, Henry has challenged his team to lift its intensity against a Gold Coast Titans side missing injured skipper Scott Prince.

"They (the Titans) haven't lost here (in Townsville) . . . we have a chance to change that statistic tomorrow night," said Henry, who highlighted Greg Bird and Preston Campbell as the danger men in Prince's absence

Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Tomane event as centres eye state spots

RED-HOT Gold Coast Titans recruit Joseph Tomane has emerged a serious bolter for the Maroons in this year's State of Origin series.

The hulking centre, whose size, speed and ability to break the opposition defence is reminiscent to that of Queensland coach Mal Meninga, looms as a likely replacement for injured Broncos and Test star Justin Hodges, despite having played just 21 NRL games.

With incumbent Hodges to miss this year's series and doubts over the fitness of Broncos teammate Israel Folau, Tomane has thrust himself in to the frame for selection after a mind-blowing start to the season since joining the Titans from Melbourne during the off-season.

Most eyes will again be centred on the 20-year-old in Townsville tonight when he squares off against another possible replacement for Hodges -- Cowboys excitement machine Willie Tonga.

Impressed by his efforts in the opening three rounds, Queensland chairman of selectors Des Morris said Tomane was certainly in the mix for the Maroons, who will attempt to create history by sealing a fifth consecutive Origin series victory this year.

And with a battle royal looming on the right-hand edge with Tonga tonight, Tomane can expect a showdown of epic proportions in front of a packed house at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

"Obviously we think a fair bit of him to have him in the Emerging Origin squad," said Morris.

"There is no doubt he is going well and making the most of his opportunities but it will come back down to what our options are when the time comes to select a side."

Refusing to be drawn into speculation on the Queensland squad, Morris said the next seven rounds would be telling.

Despite boasting the strongest depth in recent memory, Morris said injury could quickly decimate Queensland's ranks.


"We have more depth at the moment than we have had in the last few years but in saying that, we have (Broncos) Folau, Hodges and Corey Parker out at the moment and that's just to name one club," he said.

"Over these next four or five weeks it will be interesting to see who is left standing and that's why we don't get carried away because we know it's a long campaign.

"If we have all the guys available we know we will be in a good position and if we have a lot of injuries to certain players, it knocks us around a bit.

"(Joseph) will certainly be considered but form and availability are going to be the big driving points."

Amazed by his skill, power and speed, Titans fullback William Zillman had no doubt Tomane would continue to terrorise opposition defences.

"Joey's been on fire and the rest of the backs have been going great, defending well and hopefully that can be the key for us this year," said Zillman.

"He has had a great pre-season, he is a big boy but at the same time he can move like lightning.

"He has had a great start to the season and hopefully he can keep it up."

Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Zillman out to keep No.1 jersey

WILLIAM Zillman is taking nothing for granted.

With captain Scott Prince expected to be on the sidelines for up to six weeks nursing a broken thumb, everyone expects Zillman to lock down his position as fullback.

That is, everyone except the 23-year-old, who concedes his position as custodian is far from secure.

"With Princey being out for the period he is, I think it's a good opportunity for me," said Zillman of pushing his case to coach John Cartwright.

"But at the same time I still need to play good football because there are guys that are pushing me that can step up as well."

Squeezed out of the top 17 for the season opener with the Warriors, Zillman showed his talent in the Queensland Cup for Ipswich, scoring three tries in a man-of-the-match performance.

Elevated to the top squad when injury forced Preston Campbell out of the Round 2 victory against Souths, Zillman was among the Titans' best, keeping his spot in the No.1 jersey against former club Canberra last weekend.

But with Campbell shifted to halfback to fill the void left by Prince, Zillman will again start at the back in Townsville against a Cowboys squad trying to find some form after some indifferent performances on the road.

"Obviously it was tough to go back down to play reserve grade but the last few weeks I've been back in the mix and hopefully I can string a few games together," said Zillman, who was looking forward to playing in front of his family, who will travel from Proserpine to watch the clash.

And while his ability to tear apart the defence from the back is what he is known for, Zillman is ready to put his hand up to take on extra responsibility in attack and help ease some of the pressure from Campbell and five-eighth Greg Bird.

"I've spoken to Presto and said that I'm an option for him," he said.

Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Bird won't home in on baby Cowboy

GOLD Coast coach John Cartwright has played down suggestions that powerful pivot Greg Bird will be out to destroy his rookie opposite when they collide with the Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday.

North Queensland coach Neil Henry has named untested 20-year-old Ray Thompson at five-eighth after running out of patience with Grant Rovelli as skipper Johnathan Thurston's halves partner.

At just 172cm tall and 80kg, Thompson is a lightweight compared with Gold Coast enforcer Bird, who at 183cm and 100kg is one of the biggest playmakers in the competition.

Henry has confirmed that Thompson, who has a solid defensive game, had been called up from the Toyota Cup to help the Cowboys contain Bird on their right edge.

But Cartwright moved swiftly to quash talk of a looming showdown yesterday.

"They might wear the same number, but it doesn't mean they are going to come across each other too much," said Cartwright.

"They are undefeated so far in the under-20s and he (Thompson) played against us in the trial.

"He is a bit Preston like actually, very nippy on his feet.

"They have got a high opinion of him."

The former Cronulla Shark is shaping as a handful for young Thompson.


But Cartwright said the Titans would not be directing any more traffic in his direction than they usually would.

"Where he defends on the field, he is going to get lots of traffic anyway," said Cartwright.

"You can take away from your won strengths when you go out of your way to get at someone.

"He is in an area of the field where you do a lot of defence, so he is going to get the same traffic as Rovelli would have got."

Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Rapira play security on leaking right side

HE packs a huge wallop and Kiwi tackling machine Steve Rapira has been charged with the task of playing bodyguard for young five-eighth Ray Thompson tonight.

The entire right side has been changed up as coach Neil Henry looks to arrest the alarming volume of tries run through it, with Rapira to earn his first starting jersey of the season.

Thompson will play alongside him in the place of Grant Rovelli while noted defender Will Tupou will line up on the right wing alongside Ash Graham with John Williams to shift to the left.

Rapira said communication would be vital tonight with the Gold Coast certain to attempt to plunder points down that side of the field.

''Lately we have been struggling on the right side a bit with defence,'' he said. ''There's been a couple of changes there and it's going to be a big test for us but we've been training well.

''Communication and trusting the player beside you, that's what we've been working on a lot. I feel confident with the players around me and I think they'll do the job.''

Rapira will try to take some of the pressure off 20-year-old Thompson who is playing just his second NRL game.

While the North Queensland product only stands at 172cm and 80kg, Rapira has no doubt he will need little protection with Thompson having proved to be a real asset in defence at under-20s level.

'He's been really, really good,'' Rapira said.

''He's been given a shot this week and he's been training up a storm this week.

''He's a solid defender for a little bloke, he's got a bit of whack in him so I feel comfortable with him there.

''I trust him, I think he'll do the job.''

Rapira could barely hide his excitement at the prospect of running out in his first starting jersey at home tonight and is hoping he can do enough to hold his position.

Tonight's clash is extremely important to the Cowboys who have won just once in their opening three games but have their next two games at home.

Rapira said it was vital to lock in both home wins and get back on track, and is relishing the prospect of matching up against the quality Titans pack.
''We've definitely got to pick up our performance this week, especially being at home,'' he said.

''We've just got to get the win, get the two points.

''They've got some big boys out there, they've got a good back row out there too.

''It's just another challenge and I'm looking forward to it.

''It's been an honour to get the starting jersey, I just hope I get to keep it.''

Source: http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Young guns to get job done for Cowboys

HIGHLY rated Kiwi enforcer Leeson Ah Mau will make his debut for the Cowboys tonight and coach Neil Henry is confident he will make an impact in his new-look team.

The former Warrior joins winger Will Tupou as first-gamers while Ray Thompson will partner Johnathan Thurston in the halves in just his second NRL game.

Ah Mau earned his call-up after Carl Webb was ruled out following on-going calf issues which ruled him out of training for most of this week.

After running the broom through an outfit that was hammered by St George Illawarra last week, Henry backed the young guns to stand up - especially Ah Mau.

''That's why they've been picked, they've been picked to get the job done,'' he said.

''(Ah Mau) has been a handful, he's certainly getting a lot of line breaks there (in the Queensland Cup).

''He's quick on his feet and he's got an offload so I've been very happy with his workrate.

''His fitness levels have come right up and he's a good trainer (and) his footwork is a real asset to us and his ability to offload the ball.''

Webb has travelled to Cairns and will play for the Pride against Tweed Heads tonight after passing a fitness test on his aching legs on Thursday.

Henry had planned on resting the 29-year-old, but Webb was desperate to take to the park in a bid to improve his match fitness.

''Carl's right to go but he'll play for the Pride so he definitely won't be playing for us,'' Henry said.

''He needs to get a bit more game time, he had an injury earlier in the week and couldn't train until later in the week.

''We thought he would have to have a week off but he's keen to play to his credit.

''He'll go north and they'll hopefully be able to give him 60 minutes up there.''
Ty Williams also looks to have overcome ankle and bicep complaints and trained yesterday morning with Shannon Gallant likely to remain 18th man.
Despite the absence of representative halfback Scott Prince, the Titans still pose a real threat to the Cowboys on the back of three consecutive wins to open their 2010 campaign.

The Gold Coast club has beaten the Cowboys both times in their two meetings at Dairy Farmers Stadium and Henry said they would still pack plenty of punch with Preston Campbell at halfback and William Zillman at fullback.

''They're a very good side, they're coming here with some confidence because they've had three wins on the back of their forwards being very good as well,'' he said.

''They won't lose much with Zillman at the back there, he's a very good player and Presto is dangerous in the front line.

''He's played that role as a pivot before anyway and even when he's playing fullback he comes up and gets his hands on the ball as a first receiver a few times.

''Greg Bird looks as though he's starting to find his feet, he had a bit of criticism early with a couple of mistakes but he was very strong last week, a dangerous carrier of the ball and a very solid defender. They've got a lot to be happy about in their start to the season and they'll certainly come up here with some confidence.''

Source: http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Im about to head into Crushers Leagues Club to watch the game. Anyone else in Brisbane is welcome.

Hopefully I will see the rest of you back here after the game, hopefully in the wash up we will be disecting a strong victory.

[Tamwelg]

Just heard on ABC radio that Ty Williams is out. No word on his replacement, possibly Gallant.

[Cowboy Titan]

Apparently Laffranchi is out for the Titans, been replaced by Henderson.

Shannon Gallant will come in for Ty Williams.

[Tamwelg]

Apparently Laffranchi is out for the Titans, been replaced by Henderson.

Shannon Gallant will come in for Ty Williams.

Yep Laffranchi out (no sure why) Taga to starting 2nd row and Hendo to bench.

[Ryan]

Yep Laffranchi out (no sure why) Taga to starting 2nd row and Hendo to bench.

There goes my fantasy league captain.....

[Tamwelg]

Hurry up and get better Princey, Presto was non existent that half. Too many errors and missed tackle by everyone. Come on boys lift.

[TITAN PETE]

Presto had a shocker hopefully he's carrying an injury or we will be flogged in the next few weeks.
Tomane better stop reading about himself as he was shown up a few times
& even though Mini scored 2 tries he was 2nd rate tonight

I think we missed Boof's defence around the ruck tonight more than anything ...

Luckily we get to play again next week

[Mushi]

Def not the prettiest game to watch. Way too much dropped ball and mistakes. If we could have held onto the ball we may have gotten there in the end but an error riddled game by us Now I have to face my cowboys loving cousins tomorrow for an easter get together oh bugger Onto bigger and better things next week!