Cool hand Luke gives Cowboys spark for Roosters visit
Joel Gould |
North Queensland hooker Soni Luke is the livewire ball of energy aiming to ignite a strong start at home for the understrength Cowboys side against Sydney Roosters.
The Cowboys are without regular starting rake Reed Mahoney (concussion) and powerhouse prop Coen Hess (suspension) for Thursday night’s clash in Townsville.
Co-captain and half Tom Dearden remains absent with a leg injury for at least the next month.
The return of England international John Bateman has also been put on hold after he pulled out on match eve.
“John Bateman has pulled out in our captain’s run with tightness in his hamstring which means Kye O’Donnell will come into the 19,” Cowboys coach Todd Payten said.
“Everyone else is good and raring to go.”
Luke, 30, played most of last week’s 18-10 win over Brisbane after Mahoney left the field 10 minutes into the clash.
His decision making, speed out of dummy-half and energy were crucial to the Cowboys’ victory, which kept them hanging on to eighth position on the ladder.
The clash with the second-placed Roosters will be just Luke’s second starting gig of the season but he showed last week he has the endurance to handle bigger minutes.
“I’ve been really impressed by his presence, his football understanding and his professionalism,” Payten said of the former Penrith rake.
“When he comes on the field he adds spark and energy and he did a terrific job last week through 70 minutes after averaging 30 minutes this year.
“It is a great opportunity for him this week and I am really excited for him.”
The Roosters have been slow starters in several matches this year. Last week the Cowboys were full of zeal at the start of the Broncos win, gang tackling prop Preston Riki when he made his first hit-up.
The same modus operandi will be required to ambush the Roosters.
“It is very important,” Payten said.
“You can see much positive impact it has on the team’s energy and spirit with a couple of big tackles keeping them inside their 20 to 30 metre zone before kicking.
“You have to do that against the big and physical teams and the Roosters are certainly one of those. It is a mindset and a mental challenge as much as a physical challenge.”
AAP