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.
Luke M
Guest
Well Souths lose a few players suspended for wrestling and immediately come back to the field.
MAX
Guest
Whenever you see a Captain with 'the look of eagles' in his eyes and that aura has also transmitted to his team 'Get On.' NQC are strong, fast, tough and hurt. Goodbye Souths deficiencies were revealed. Also, Sam is playing injured. Manly are a jaded lot. Only Easts and possibly Storm have the skills to stop them. Of course that is all dependent on the same Cowboys turning up and Uncle Jarrod has the whistle.
Alex
Guest
Penrith are getting in under the radar. Roosters v Penrith grand final. Roosters win.
Judge Holden
Roar Guru
Recently it was supported in a study that the "hot-hand" fallacy actually does have a positive effect on basketball players. Players that have make consecutive successful shots are slightly more likely to succeed in their next shot than a player who is yet to score. Statistically speaking the Cowboys were very low chances of winning these games in Sydney but on probability they had a chance. Now that they are "hot", so to speak, they should be more likely to win more games in Sydney. I'm a rational man but an avid Cowboys supporter, so hopefully this form can continue.
Jimmy
Guest
Great win , we can win a Grand Final but will need a lot to go our way . Roosters favourites for mine , but if there is a just God the Cowboys will get a few calls go their way and who knows . JT gave a master class on the weekend and he deserves another grand final win. The greatest competitor since Langer.
NRL the worldwide joke
Guest
One win and the hoodoo is over. Come finals we shall see... Good win on the wknd Jt dally m for sure he's too good