post-Thurston era Cowboys

[umina panther]

Morgan is a better player than JT. They'll make the 8

 

[Rhino_NQ]

Morgan is a better player than JT. They'll make the 8

But he doesn't give his head gear to kids

 

[Fire]

Top 8.

JT's age humstrung them and his retirement was a distraction.

 

[chrisD]

Last season was fake news, a fit Morgan and they can win the GF. Although it'd be far more likely with Ponga, HAHA.

 

[Valheru]

They will be fine and have a much better season next year than this year.

They still have a very god squad and just had a down year this year after 6 (I think) finals appearances in a row.

I think they are a definite top 8 side pushing for top 4 if they can take advantage of their home ground properly.

 

[Hawkins]

Ben Barba Signing Bonus

 

[titoelcolombiano]

Morgan ran the team well at the back end of the 2017 season in Thurston's absence - when Thurston returned he took a back seat and it seemed detrimental to the balance of the squad. They are capable of returning to the top with Morgan running the side.

 

[Canard]

I like the changes Green has made so far. Barba and MacDonald are quality signings that turn a position of weakness into one of strength. I also expect Baptiste to be a welcome inclusion to the Cowboys 17. Ever since Kostjasyn retired, they've had to make do and it's inhibited their ability to execute on set-plays.

The big question for mine is their forwards. When the Cowboys were at their best, it's because their forwards were great at getting the ball where it needed to go and allowing the halves to run through the set-plays at their own pace (ie dictate terms). Last season they were incredibly soft and it wasn't until the final 6 rounds they lived up to their reputation. The likes of Scott, Cooper and Bolton are another year older and the Cowboys cannot afford to let them use that as an excuse.

The second biggest question is the halves. They've got options there and it comes down to whether they want to give Clifford more time to fine-tune his game, or throw him into the deep end and play it from there. The latter at this moment sounds appealing because he is the best up and coming halfback in the game, but the Cowboys have a luxurious stop-gap in Martin/Morgan. I'm not expecting miracles from Clifford in 2019, but he's capable of playing like Ash Taylor did in 2016 and that would certainly be good enough.

Can't disagree with any of this, pretty much spot on.

I feel like Thumper might only play around 12 to 14 games for the season also, and I honestly think Bolts (who has been a trooper) is basically done. McLean's first stint pre-injury was pants, but upon his return he was pretty much the form prop in the NRL.

In short, Im not sure how they will go to be honest.

 

[myrrh ken]

They'll go backwards again when Barba leaves and Val comes is.

 

[beave]

Morgan ran the team well at the back end of the 2017 season in Thurston's absence - when Thurston returned he took a back seat and it seemed detrimental to the balance of the squad. They are capable of returning to the top with Morgan running the side.

Morgan was injured though, his ab/groin injury he got in pre-season kept him out entirely of the first few games and he was clearly not right when he returned. And because Coote was injured as well, Morgan was forced to shift to 1 and that’s where he snapped his bicep. Morgans 2018 was pretty much an injury write off for mine.

 

[Perth Red]

If Barba brings his SL form then they'll go well. Morgan running the show, Barba on the shoulder of JT for the offloads, pretty potent. Such a shame they couldnt keep Ponga, they would have had one of the best attacks in the comp with him as well.

 

[King hit]

I believe they will improve next year. This year would’ve brought them down to earth and taught them a few lessons they can take into next year. They’ve recruited well and Clifford doesn’t look like a bad prospect. They are a genuine top 8 team.

 

[Clem Gould]

The Cowboys got covered in bulldust this year.The squad certainly looks talented and well balanced.I reckon we finish between 10h and 6th. The SOO period with McClean ,Gooper Hess Morgs and Scott/ Barba all possibilities.Injuries and Origin hangover will be pivotal to our season.
Will be watching very closely to see if Greeny has revamped the game plan a bit
Get in the FNQ and get onboard

 

[firechild]

Will be genuinely shocked if the Cowboys make the 8 next year.

 

[Clem Gould]

Will be genuinely shocked if the Cowboys make the 8 next year.

Bronx Bunnies Panthers and your club look set for a uncertain season , Tiges might steady or improve a bit . Plenty of room at the top 8 end.
Personally i would love to see the Nukes and Tits come good as well.

 

[mistertaylor]

Ben Barba Signing Bonus

What would he need icing sugar for? Does he do a lot of baking in his spare time?

 

[mistertaylor]

Pace in the backline is a good addition.

For mine, Granville needs a big improvement next season. He regularly offered some very ordinary service out of dummy half. Maybe signing Baptiste is Green's subtle way of putting him om notice?

Cowboys are a top 4 side on paper, moreso than the Broncos. Good spine, strong forward pack, exciting backline.

 

[Exsilium]

But he doesn't give his head gear to kids

JT’s clutch moments at club level are not comparable to the single pass by Morgan in the grand final.

 

[Rhino_NQ]

Pace in the backline is a good addition.

For mine, Granville needs a big improvement next season. He regularly offered some very ordinary service out of dummy half. Maybe signing Baptiste is Green's subtle way of putting him om notice?

Cowboys are a top 4 side on paper, moreso than the Broncos. Good spine, strong forward pack, exciting backline.

Was his first real injury interrupted season with is as well and I reckon Hampton has more value elsewhere so a bloke like baptiste who is no superstar but can fill a gap if required who would have been pretty cheap isn’t such a dumb idea

 

[blaza88z]

A fair bit of pressure on Morgan it has to be said, there was no pressure on him when he was steering them around the park en route to the GF

He's on big coin now, needs to deliver