No more excuses
By ADAM GARDINI
17jul04
NORTH Queensland Cowboys captain Travis Norton believes the club's hefty injury toll can no longer be used as an excuse ahead of this weekend's vital National Rugby League clash against Parramatta at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
Norton, a veteran of 161 first grade games and the most experienced player remaining in a Cowboys side depleted of its more seasoned campaigners, suggested his side had to concentrate on the task at hand.
"They (injured players) have been out for a little while so we can't use them as an excuse," Norton said.
"We've got to go out there and give it our best."
The 28-year-old acknowledged the importance of the clash concerning the club's finals hopes with the Cowboys needing to win at least five of their remaining eight games to finish in the top eight.
"It's very important, it's a crucial part of our season," he said.
"We know our season is hanging on a knife's edge."
The Cowboys could be boosted by the late inclusion of Queensland centre Paul Bowman, who trained with the team yesterday.
Coach Graham Murray said Bowman had been included in the 18-man squad although he would not make a decision on the final 17 until today.
Highly-rated youngster Matt Scott, 18, will make his debut off the bench in place of injured utility David Faiumu.
Scott, who represented the Queensland under-19s earlier this year and recently re-signed with the club for another three years, was presented with his debut jersey yesterday by injured Cowboys enforcer Kevin Campion.
"Campo has played five grand finals and 240 first grade games so we thought it would be appropriate that he presented it to him," Murray said.
Murray said his side would have to improve on last week's 32-38 loss to Canberra if they were to defeat the Eels, who hit form with a 26-12 victory over competition leaders the Sydney Roosters.
"Our stats were fantastic, we just didn't win the footy match so we've got to be a bit more patient with the football to win the game.
"We want to play a consistent 80 minutes of football. We showed glimpses of good football but didn't nail it for the whole time."
Meanwhile, Parramatta arrived in Townsville yesterday with an unchanged 18-man squad to that named by coach Brian Smith earlier in the week.
Utility Chris Thorman is the travelling reserve.
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