http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25643246-5018866,00.html
Broken rib sidelines North Queensland Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen
June 16, 2009
North Queensland Cowboys have confirmed star fullback Matt Bowen will miss the next four weeks of the NRL season with a broken rib.
The Cowboys star was injured in the second half of Sunday's 32-18 loss to St George Illawarra in Wollongong.
Cowboys assistant coach Michael Crawley said Bowen's absence will be a big blow for the team with three players already on State of Origin duty.
Halfback Johnathan Thurston has been joined in the Queensland squad by centre Willie Tonga, while forward Luke O'Donnell is in the NSW team.
Matt's very hard to replace, he brings a lot to the team,'' Crawley said.
But it's a test of our depth and it's what we've spoken about since the start of the year.
We knew Origin would be a tough time for us so it's a test for players this week to step up.''
Ty Williams will move into the fullback position in Bowen's absence.
Former Warrior Grant Rovelli and Shannon Hegarty have been called into the team to play the Roosters on Saturday in Townsville.
New recruit Michael Bani, who joined the club from Manly earlier this month, will make his debut for the Cowboys after also being named in the team.
For Sydney Roosters, Willie Mason returns after resting his sore knee for a week, replacing prop Mark O'Meley who is out for three weeks with a broken hand.
