No panic but plenty of surprise has been shown by rookie North Queensland coach Paul Green in the fallout over the Cowboys’ second straight NRL loss.
North Queensland were again made to pay for a slow start when they were upset by New Zealand 20-16 last round – the Warriors’ first win in Townsville since 2002.
Perennial underachievers North Queensland have begun the season 1-2 but only after a Johnathan Thurston-inspired comeback ensured they reeled in a 16-0 early deficit and defeated Canberra in round one.
But the only thing that raised Green’s eyebrows was an unpenalised Warriors tackle on a try-bound Tariq Sims that left the Cowboys backrower with a broken nose last Saturday night.
Green called for some consistency from officials after Sims was denied a try for a knock on with North Queensland trailing 20-12 and 10 minutes left on the clock.
Replays suggested Sam Tomkins caught Sims high as the backrower surged toward the line.
“It was an interesting decision to rule knock on,” Green said.
“You can clearly see a bit of contact with his head.
“I thought we might have been a chance of getting the ball back there but that’s not how the game panned out.
“You just want some consistency.
“I think there were some tough calls that went against us which I am happy to cop as long as we get a few our way.”
But Green was not reaching for the panic button ahead of Monday night’s away clash with the Gold Coast Titans.
“I am not using the word panic, you guys are,” he said.
“We are right.
“Like I said after the game we are not far away. We just need to keep working hard, we will get there.”
But clearly the slow starts are bothering Green, who named an unchanged 17 for the Titans clash.
“It’s important we start well because if you don’t you just put yourself under pressure,” he said.
Doc
Guest
agreed! Morgan looks a bit slow in getting in position at the back there. And i have always prefered him in the halves to Lui.
dallas
Guest
dallas
Guest
They should swap morgan and lui around. Lui played fullback through juniors and is a bit quicker than morgan, and morgan is probably a better organising and plays a bit more direct and straihter than lui at half. Although the main problem would have to be defence
Doc
Guest
2 years previous occurrences has broken the heart of the team, it has it's affects and the N(SW)RL + NSW media & you all know this. they need to get a couple of wins under the belt to get the confidence rolling again, same as what happened last year until they get dudded in the finals again this year that is... what a joke! Green learn from history, get over the dudd calls because it doesn't change, take it from the long time supporters, just play the brand of footy it takes to win against refereeing adversity that the cowboys know so well.
planko
Guest
If Thurston on his 31 year olde legs don't perform miracles like the Canberra game NQLD Loose. I think the guy is a legend but when you are getting 20% of the Cap he needs to bring it every week or people will pan him.
The eye
Guest
No panic but 2 losses and an ordinary win ought to have a few players on last chances.Theres no spark at the back,and your heart goes in your mouth every time Morgan is asked to defuse a bomb..Lui has been very disappointing,expected him to be much more polished under Green but he's as bumbling as ever thus far..this HAS to be their week.
Cowboys
Guest
Green isn't complaining. The media have a story already they want to sell and they only ask question that add to their stories credibility. Why do Coaches have to have press conferences after games if the story has already been portrayed? The media gives the NRL a bad light and won't try to sell the game in a positive light. People say it won't sell. However when has this been tried. It's not working in the current format and only frustrating people away from the game. Even player won't do an interview because the story will already be written. Media is a joke in this country with what they can get away with. Advertisement making claims they can never back up. Being 'cynical' here but why raise the price of tobacco 25% every year, the money only goes to government. So don't tell me its bad for my health when McDonald's has recently been proven their patties contain 85% fillers from Jamie Oliver. Fillers that are not meant to be consumed. Raise the price on the 'unhealthy' food, save millions on obesity studies and programs now and in the future.
Kingcowboy
Guest
Am I the only person that likes Rugby League anymore? Everything is so doom and gloom these days. The Kiwis ran harder then us on Saturday night and they won the game. We had ample chances to win the game but for one reason or another we didn't. Don't blame the refs Coach Green, just move onto next week, complaining won't do anything