The signing of Josh McGuire to the Cowboys shocked the rugby league community, but it undoubtedly is an amazing signing for the Cowboys. But the question still remains, what position will McGuire play in 2019?
Josh McGuire has established himself as one of the best forwards in the game. He has represented his state 10 times and his country eight, being a standout in all 18 of them.
McGuire will bring a total of 194 games of experience to his new club which is a very valuable thing to have.
There is one thing that did bug me about the signing, what position will McGuire play in 2019?
The Cowboys are one of the few clubs that have very good depth in the front rower position, which is only bolstered by the signing of McGuire.
McGuire plays at his best when he is playing at lock, but this is very unlikely to happen at the Cowboys with Jason Taumalolo already filling the number 13 jumper, this means McGuire will have to play as a front-rower.
With Matt Scott likely to take the No. 8 Jersey as it is his final year, this leaves only the No. 10 jumper free.
The favorites to fill this position are McGuire, Jordan McLean, and Scott Bolton, which have all proved themselves as worthy and capable front rowers to play in the starting squad.
All three players are too good to be starting off the bench but sadly two will, leaving Cowboys have left themselves in a conundrum.
The most likely scenario is that McGuire partners Scott and McLean and Bolton occupy two of the four bench positions.
This is a very tempting option for Paul Green as it means that he is able to replace the two starting front rowers with two powerhouses in McLean and Bolton.
A big issue for the Cowboys in 2018 was when their starting forward pack came off they would often lose momentum and even sometimes the game.
Predicted starting 17 for 2019 is as followed: