Something makes me believe there’s something much larger at play at the Cowboys than an ageing roster and a predictable attack. So how can a club go from making a grand final without its two co-captains to sitting dead last on the ladder within the space of six months? At the heart of the problem is just that – the club’s change in leadership.
The Cowboys made the Grand Final last season thanks to the new leadership which emerged in the form of arguably the two best players in the competition at the time: Michael Morgan and Jason Taumalolo. Seemingly, with the renewed leadership under returning co-captains Johnathan Thurston and Matthew Scott in 2018; there’s been some confusion amongst the playing ranks as to who’s actually calling the shots.
Read into that what you will.
Last week we noted a return ‘home’ was on the cards for Leeson Ah Mau with the veteran prop close to coming to terms on a big money contract with the Gold Coast Titans. I can now reveal; the Penrith Panthers and New Zealand Warriors have also joined the race for the 28-year-old.
What is particularly interesting is the fact that Ah Mau was born and raised in New Zealand and even made his debut for the Warriors way back when in 2009 but sources close to the former Cowboy say he still sees Queensland as his home.
If you were to ask me last year I’d most likely say no but after the revelation that was Coen Hess in last years Origin campaign, I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing Ponga in a utility role. As the old adage goes… if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.
With Queensland lacking depth and form across their backline in 2018, Ponga could really spark the Maroons attack in a 20 or 30-minute stint off the interchange bench.
I’m lost for words when it comes to the toxic environment that is the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.
From the boardroom down to the coaching staff and the playing roster, the entire club is being run to the ground. Figuratively speaking, if I had the power to revoke NRL clubs’ licenses than Manly would be the first to go. From Jackson Hastings being stood down from the playing group for the remainder of the season to being reinstated a week later… I’ve seen better run clubs in Under 7’s.
Surely the NRL at the very least have a standard of professionalism clubs must abide by?