The Cowboys know they have a lot of improving to do if they are to capitalise on their history-making finals appearance this year.
The North Queensland side finished fourth on the NRLW ladder following Round 11’s heavy 50-4 loss in the ‘local’ derby against the Broncos, but will look to regroup to host the Sharks in their sudden-death elimination final this Saturday.
Cowboys forward Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell said they would look at the result as a “learning opportunity” with coach Ricky Henry set to have his team work hard on the basics before facing Cronulla.
“I think (the game) is definitely a learning opportunity for us, it just wasn't good enough, but we move on,” Ormond-Maunsell said.
“We'll do our best at training this week, put our best foot forward leading into quarterfinals because we can do a lot better than what we did. That wasn’t us.
“We didn't win the first couple of sets and they got a roll on, but that's on us to turn it around and put the pressure back on them, which we probably left too late.
“It’s definitely a learning opportunity for us. They're a good team, but that's on us to be better, and next time we come up against (a team like) them, we've got to do a better job.”
Jasmine Peters Try
Despite the loss, it has been a impressive season overall for the Cowboys, making the finals in just their third season the NRLW competition.
For Kiwi Fern representative Ormond-Maunsell, who joined the club this year after four seasons with the Gold Coast Titans, the support from the North Queensland community in Townsville and beyond had helped get the best from the team.
“It is a really big achievement for Cowboys, it will be the first time that they've made finals, but I think just getting through the season and all the round games first was our main priority,” Ormond-Maunsell said.
“It is really special to be playing finals.
“Our fans are probably the best fans that I've ever seen in the competition, they get behind us, they travel to come to Brisbane, Sydney.
“They are just really loyal fans that will back us through everything, but that's on us, we need to do better for them.”
One thing that has helped drive the Cowboys to their best ever finish has been the new-found depth in their squad, with competition for spots at an all-time high. Coach Henry has also had no issues making big selection calls, with each player knowing their spot on the team is not guaranteed.
“I think to start off, there's a lot of competition in each position, so no person in their position is safe, which really challenges each player to perform their best week-in, week-out, train hard,” Ormond-Maunsell said.
“It's definitely healthy competition.
“We're always learning off each other, picking each other's brains just to better ourselves and our teammates.
“It is a team sport, so if one of us can help build up another player, that's what we'll do.”
Match: Cowboys v Sharks
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Cowboys
4th Position
away Team
Sharks
5th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
The Cowboys host the Sharks in their elimination final on Saturday at Queensland County Bank Stadium. Tickets are available HERE.
