Cowboys could shop for a prop
By Damien Stannard
February 03, 2007 11:00pm
Article from: The Sunday Mail (Qld)
THE North Queensland Cowboys have no plans to recruit a replacement for retired prop Robert Tanielu.
But coach Graham Murray has left the door slightly ajar should a suitable forward become available.
"We're hoping we'll come through OK but at the same time we're wondering whether we might have to bolster our strength at some stage," the veteran NRL coach said.
"I'm comfortable with the depth we have. That's not to say we wouldn't (recruit another player) if the right person became available."
The Cowboys lost one of their more promising forwards last month when Tanielu, 24, announced his retirement.
A former Broncos and Storm front-rower, Tanielu last year suffered the second major back injury of his career in a collision with Brisbane's Scott Minto.
He had been training during the off-season with the club's rehabilitation group but was forced to retire after accepting advice from medical specialists.
Still adjusting to life without former pack leader Paul Rauhihi, the Cowboys' engine room is far from settled.
Mitchell Sargent's sacking last season for drug use opened another hole in the Cowboys' front row.
Shane Tronc, who recently turned 25, and Carl Webb, also 25, are the most experienced of the front-row options.
Ray Cashmere had his first taste of NRL last season, with Murray saying the 115kg giant did everything asked of him.
After bursting on to the representative scene last year Matt Scott is one of the forwards Murray is hoping will provide leadership.
"I think Matt is one of the best in the business at the moment," Murray said of the 21-year-old.
"I think there's a hell of a footballer in there."
Scott made his Origin debut in the second row for Queensland last year but was dropped after a tentative performance in Game 1.
Mirroring the Cowboys' fortunes, Scott's form cooled off late in the year.
"The second haf of last season probably wasn't as good as my start," Scott said.
"It's a pretty long season -- my first full season -- and I was adjusting to the pace of the game."