Here we are. We may yet see Gallant play this weekend - apparently Ty is still injured and cannot run at full pace yet. He's only got a couple more days to prove his fitness.
Henry gives youngsters their shot
JOSH ALSTON
March 31st, 2010
THE axe has been swung and two of the Cowboys' young stars have been handed a chance to shine against the Titans this Saturday night.
Both under-20s skipper Ray Thompson and centre Will Tupou have been called up to first grade following the club's 33-8 loss against the Dragons on Saturday night.
Five-eighth Grant Rovelli and winger Michael Bani have made way for their promotion while Steve Southern was also dumped to accommodate James Tamou, who has been 18th man in all three games so far this season.
Thompson in particular has been in sparkling form in the under-20s' unbeaten start to the season and first cut his teeth in first grade in round 26 last year.
''He's developing, he's a fantastic leader for the young guys too (being) a role model within the 20s team,'' coach Neil Henry said.
''Being a kid that's come through our system and a North Queenslander, it's all a nice fit for us.
''It's a step up for him but something that he doesn't seem too fazed by.''
Rovelli has been sent back to Queensland Cup following some defensive lapses against the Dragons and will be given every chance to return to first grade.
In the meantime, Henry is hoping to give Thompson more experience at the top level to groom him as a playmaker of the future.
''Ray is still learning so we're going to give him a bit of time ... it's a learning curve for him as well,'' he said.
''JT commands most of the ball but he'll need to be a good foil for him.
''We've got every confidence in Ray, he's a good defensive player, he's got nice touch with his kick and the emphasis we've really got is that he's able to defend on that edge.
''He's got a job to do there and on that side of the field they'll have Bird hovering around there too so there's really a job to do on that right edge.''
Tamou has forced his way into the team after a strong 2009 season, backed up with willing performances for the Northern Pride in the Queensland Cup so far this year.
''He's been commanding big minutes in the Queensland Cup, he's been their best forward,'' Henry said.
''He's been fairly patient, he's been our 18th man a few times now so he's been travelling and then going back to play Queensland Cup so he gets his opportunity to play.''
Ty Williams was named at fullback but is racing the clock with two niggling injuries keeping him off the training paddock.
While the damage to his bicep is not as bad as first feared, that and an ankle sprain mean the back is battling pain and unable to run at full speed.
''He's in a bit of doubt, he's got some muscle damage around his bicep but not a tendon tear which would require surgery,'' Henry said.
''He jammed up his ankle as well, that's a bit sore so he ran (Monday) night but he didn't run flat out, not at 100 per cent.
''We'll have to monitor him but I expect him to be OK.''
Shannon Gallant is waiting in the wings should Williams be unable to prove his fitness.
COWBOYS under-20s team: Alex Elisala, Kyle Feldt, Moses Pangai, Steven Eliott, Wayne Ulugia, Michael Parker Walshe, Michael Morgan, Aidan Day, James Segeyaro, Callum Haywood, John Koko, Jack Cooper, Chris Faust.
Interchange: Chris McLean, David Uhi, Sam Hoare, Jason Taumalolo, Mitchell Zornig, John Puna.
http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2010/03/31/126765_cowboys.html
