Coach Paul Green has declared North Queensland’s Sydney hoodoo dead after their impressive 22-10 in win over South Sydney at ANZ Stadium.
The Cowboys struggled to nine straight losses in the Harbour City earlier this year as their inability to win on the road brought into question their premiership credentials.
But Saturday night’s win over NRL premiership favourites Souths followed earlier wins over Canterbury and Cronulla in Sydney this season.
And Green says Sydney where, of course, the grand final will be held, is no longer a cause of trepidation for the Cowboys.
“Early on a lot was made about us playing away,” Green said.
“It doesn’t hold any fears for us now playing away.
“The next games we’ll have in Sydney they’ll be big, so we’ll be looking for the best preparation both physically and we’ll be doing everything we can to make sure we’re ready to play.”
Cornered by a short turnaround between Monday’s night one-point loss to Penrith and the match with Souths, Green chose to keep the team in Sydney for the week and he said the move paid off.
“Physically it’s a massive help for us,” Green said.
“I don’t think people appreciate just how much flying and travel that we have to do.
“The Warriors are in the same boat, I don’t think people realise just how much that takes out of the boys.
“Given the short turnaround, I was really pleased that the club supported us and made that option available for us to stay down.
“Physically the boys were really good, they looked really good.”
The Cowboys next host Cronulla in round 25 at home on Monday week, followed by a final round showdown with Manly, also in Townsville.
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