Ask any serious NRL observer and they’ll tell you the most intriguing through-line of the North Queensland Cowboys since 2017 has been Paul Green’s team selections.
Some of the team lists have, quite frankly, confounded. Injuries and representative selection play their part, sure.
But what has been going on at the selection table?
Fan favourites like Gideon Gela-Mosby and Enari Tuala could barely get a game despite terrible shortages of outside backs. Coen Hess spent time in the centres last year, but Murray Taulagi played only six games in 2019.
The year before, Justin O’Neill and Kane Linnett struggled. But O’Neill played almost the entire season.
Every Tuesday, the team list would come out and Cowboys fans, rightly or wrongly, would say, ‘here we go again’.
And then there’s the spine.
The halves have been unsettled since Johnathan Thurston’s early end to 2017. JT was back for 2018, but we know what happened to Michael Morgan’s form – it suffered from the GOAT’s reintroduction. Since 2017, Morgan’s constant partner in the halves has been change.
Te Maire Martin and Jake Clifford played their parts and a few others moonlighted. Now Scott Drinkwater gets a chance. Morgan, of course, has had his injuries too.
But hooker selection has baffled for years and is demonstrative of the selection methodology some are critical of.
Jake Granville was a big part of the reason North Queensland took home the trophy after a breakout 2015. But his form more recently would have seen him playing NSW Cup anywhere else.
A few times Green dropped Granville to the bench (even though he literally kept the number 9 jersey). Rory Kostjasyn, Ray Thompson, Kurt Baptiste, Ben Hampton and Reuben Cotter couldn’t offer more at 9, according to Green. But Granville’s immunity to the coach’s selection axe has stood out.
Is Granville’s experience outweighing three years of lacklustre attack? Were other options simply not performing? Note that the Cowboys recruited Reece Robson in the offseason.
He played well in the trials. He’s named at 14 for Friday night. Draw your own conclusions. Then remember, this is the Cowboys we’re talking about.
What of Ben Hampton on the wing for this weekend’s season opener against the Broncos? He’s played wing before. But where are the Cowboys other choices out wide?
The Cowboys have the roster to play finals football in 2020. If they fail to do so, plenty of pundits will look at team selections and Green’s game plan.
(Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
So what do we look for? I suggest we let 2015 be our guide.
Lachlan Coote was back from 2014’s season-ending knee injury, having been brought to the club to replace Matt Bowen. Did Paul Green throw him right in for Round 1?
No. The head coach stuck with the spine that finished 2014 strongly: Morgan at fullback and Rob Lui in the halves with Thurston.
By Round 3, Coote was in, Morgan was wearing the 6 and the Cowboys were on the way to premiership glory. But Green gave the incumbents two weeks to earn their spots for the season ahead.
Don’t be surprised if Robson and Cotter take the hooking duties by the Eels game.
And Hampton may fill in at fullback for periods while Valentine Holmes develops match fitness, keeping him on the wing. But if O’Neill ends up out on the fringe with Jason Taumalolo in the centres, don’t be completely surprised.
This is Paul Green we’re talking about.
Rob
Guest
I hope we can enjoy all the games but I fear our world is about to change. Keep safe mate.
Mick
Guest
an excellent story - Green’s selections are times bemusing - would love to see the selection rational published
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I envy you going go the opener. I have a grandkids birthday that I cant miss so it will have to be another day for me but I will be in Townsville this year for sure , plus I'm already booked for the Broncs return at Suncorp and for Magic Round.
Rob
Guest
Hi Jimmmy, super excited about what the team can achieve this season. The stadium is fantastic but I guess most of us up here have been waiting a long time for something like this. It’s like Santa arrived after 25 years waiting for another present. Can’t say I won’t wet my pants by Kickoff but it does have a roof above my seat. The Broncos are going to be hard to beat and ready to go first up so hopefully we can turn the tables from last year. Morgan has had a bad run with injuries over the last 2 years and the Cowboys have struggled. If I was Green I’d let Clifford and Drinkwater get a combination going. Morgan could get some mojo back in the centres running the ball and drifting into the game in attacking positions would be my thoughts. A centre who can ball play and drop ball behind defending wingers with a kick is gold. Asiata should come off the bench and I hope Cooper is still not looking to play 80min as opponents are beating him with speed consistently now. Let’s put the JT years in our history books and move toward a new generation of players is my cold heart opinion.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Hey Rob. What an opening game for us at the new park ! Sensational.I think you are pretty much on the money here. We have to play two nines and I would like it to be Robson starting and Jake coming on late but I realise Robson will need time to slot in. I also agree on Hampton . When fit he has looked our most dangerous player . What do you see as our halves solution? I thought Clifford in control and Morgs just doing his thing but as Green just won't give the team to Clifford to run I just don't know. As for Fidow I think we will bring him along slowly (as we should). I would like him to be up around 8 games by season end . That would be a pretty be good first year. All positives from me.
R N
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the cows article... Agree with most points although I think you actually meant Sequela not soliloquy! "Typically, a sequela is a chronic condition that is a complication which follows a more acute condition." I think this term sums up Greens selections better!
Rob
Guest
Clifford and Drinkwater looked really good in the nines and then in the trial against Brisbane. It was really impressive how they kicked and ran the ball in attack together. Morgan at 7 didn't work well with Clifford at 6 last year. Clifford had a blinder when Morgan didn't play? Morgan has probably spent too much time off the paddock in recent years to be jumping straight into the chief playmaker and kicking role IMO. Granville has probably got Greens support because he respected what he did in 2015 and 2017. He was certainly a consistent threat in attack and lead the way in defence. Unfortunately Jake is probably better utilised in short burst now. Robson looks like a good foil and the 2 of them forming a double act could be very successful for the Cows. Hampton was possibly the Cowboys best attacking back and finisher at end of 2018 scoring 8 tries in 14 game. Injury ended his season in 2019 but I do think Taulagi and Fidow will get a start at some stage.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I can't comment so much on the Cows and Greens selection policy but I've noticed over the years at other clubs and particularly the one I follow that many of the fans seem to have all the answers when a team is struggling and the coach is completely clueless. Coaches clearly do make mistakes at times but looking back at some of the players the Manly fans were demanding be dropped and who was meant to replace them is bordering on comedy. The Cows for some reason have a strong history of boom or bust in their seasons and it's a bit unclear as to why that is.
egbert
Guest
A soliloquy is a kind of monologue in a play, expressing the innermost thoughts and feelings of the speaking character, who is alone on stage. Not sure that's what you mean here, although Michael Morgan is unusually articulate, isn't he. :)
johnno 2
Roar Rookie
Under Green the Cowboys don't deserve Clifford in the club. There is something strange about his non selection and I believe he is so dedicated to North Qld ( the area ) that he is being taken advantage of. Clifford and Morgan should be the permanent halves pairing and I feel Green is interfering with Clifford's development. More than time for Green to move on
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I love a good Cows, article so well done. I agree with the general thrust of your sentiments . Some of Greens selections are puzzling to say the least but I don't agree with some of your specifics. Jake is a player best used in short bursts , always has been. The longer he plays the less impact he has. I am hopeful that by round three or four, Robson will start and Jake will come on with 15 to go in both halves. As for GGM , look I wanted him to suceed but he just wasn't nrl standard. He just wasn't and Green knew it. I have a lot of time for both Ben Hampton and ONeill. The problem with Hampton is that he is just so versatile be has never nailed down a specific spot. I don't think he's really a winger and he will get out jumped by a few other wingers but be will not let us down. Justin is a confidence player. At his best he has been fantastic for us but he can drop his head at times. Also ffs he is not a winger . When the high ball goes his way I cross myself , say three Hale Mary's, two our Fathers and I'm not even Catholic. Thanks again Harlan.