2012 Expectations

[Shorty]

Hi guys, hope everyone had a great xmas and nye.
It's that time again.
So everyone post their thoughts on what they expect this season to bring.

I'd be happy with another finals season, I think it's definitely important for the team to get back to back decent seasons.
I'd be interested to see how the team goes in the trials, we have added attack in Lui but our defence has been our issue in terms of consistency.

Finishing around 4th on the ladder would have me satisfied.

 

[Phil McGrawhan]

I think 3-6 is achievable .

 

[Desert Qlder]

As is the case at the start of every season I've supported the club, I just want the players to play in a way that earns themselves and the club respect. I want the side to make Dairy Farmer's a feared place to play and to be able to travel to Sydney and put fear into the home side.

By doing this and playing to their potential there's no doubt in my mind the club can go deep into the finals this coming season.


Just like last year, the club has made a lot of good moves in the offseason with the right players being let go and nice additions made. Another example is the employment of a kicking coack. Some may snigger at an ozzie rules bloke for the job, but at least it indicates a proactiveness from those in charge. I like that as it demonstrates a willing attitude to solve problems.

Now the Lui issue burns with many, and it is troublesome for me personally as well. This is so because while I abhor what he has 'alledgedly' done, I feel he would be a fabulous addition to the side. It's quite vexatious. He'll more than likely play a large role in the coming season, and supporters had better get used to that.

 

[Talanexor]

I think after last season, anything less than a top 4 finish and week 3 of the finals would be a disappointment.

There is a lot to like about the Cowboys roster in 2012. The players will gel together now that they've been playing and training alongside each other for a full season.

We've cut nearly all the deadwood and the squad we have now is one of the most talented in the NRL. We also have quite possibly the best depth of any NRL team. I mean, when the likes of Paterson and Linnett/Winterstein are playing QLD Cup, it says a lot.

I think Thompson is actually a better fit for the side. He's got better composure and better defence. Lui's a bit sharper with ball in hand, but I've seen him throw plenty of heart-attack passes too, and can't tackle to save himself. We don't have a problem scoring points, we have a problem stopping them and grinding out the whole 80 mins.

 

[CowboyFuriousFury]

Top 4 finish

The youth have a year under the belt in first grade so there developing by the year the most important thing this year is consistency and full 80 minute games.

 

[Big Pete]

Top 4 is a reasonable expectation but I'd just be wary of placing too many expectations. It's not as if Henry has ever been a consistent coach, I don't think he's ever coached an NRL side to two finals series and I'm strangely worried by your squad and how it will get managed.

In particular I'm concerned with players such as Graham, Ashton, Paterson and Cooper. They have the capacity to be really good players but they can also be really complacent and I just wonder if Henry will be able to make the big calls when things aren't working out.

There's also a couple of players in the twilight of their careers. I just wonder if they'll be able to match their 2011 form?

You should still make the 8. I just hope Henry makes all the right calls.

 

[Shorty]

You raise some valid points, Pete.
I think it's important for us to be realistic because we don't get too much to celebrate about often....I think we get over excited when we've had a good season.
I would be happy just with a finals appearance, consistency really is the key here.

 

[Charlie124]

Top 6

 

[woodyk2]

The darkhorse of the comp i reckon(no pun intended)...play brilliant and play trash. Ive never worked that one out.Will make the 8 and quite possibly give it a shake.

 

[jbl31649]

The darkhorse of the comp i reckon(no pun intended)...play brilliant and play trash. Ive never worked that one out.Will make the 8 and quite possibly give it a shake.

I with you. Given that Thurston will move in 5/8, given more room and if Lui;s court cases doesn't cost him, then theres plenty of attack again and some quality in defence.

I say top and a contender for late finals/GF provide your main players stay healthy.

 

[Fingerbang]

Any chance of Moses Pangai getting a run in firsts this year?

 

[Talanexor]

Any chance of Moses Pangai getting a run in firsts this year?

Supercoach research eh?

Yes. But bear in mind that if there are injuries in the backline, he's well down the pecking order

1) Winterstein/Linnett (whichever one doesn't get the left centre spot)
2) Cooper (playing in the centres)
3) One of Jones/Ulugia/Feldt/Pangai

Might need to wait until after the trials to make a more accurate call.

 

[Wooden Spoonar]

Nothing less than a premiership should keep cowboy supporters happy afters years of disappointment.

 

[Newcastle Cow]

I'd be hoping for top four also but I wouldnt be surprised if it wasn't so great. We generally exceeded expectations last year and the squad is more settled and used to how each other players. However rep seson will hurt us, some old favourites such as Mango and especially Payne are getting on. Even putting aside off-field incidents I'm pretty meh about Lui, as others have said he's got plenty of talent in attack, but scoring points isn't our problem and he's a bit of a turnstyle in defence.