NRL must look at pre-season: Cowboys
Feb 6, 2017 - 9:11 AM North Queensland coach Paul Green believes the NRL must reassess the pre-season, saying "something has got to give" in the players' busy schedule.Green bemoaned his players' packed program after returning from the Auckland Nines where utility back Shaun Hudson suffered a knee injury.
Green didn't go down the path of Penrith boss Brian Fletcher who wanted the Nines scrapped.
But the Cowboys mentor believed the pre-season had to be rejigged to provide some respite - especially for representative players who will also contest the end of season 2017 World Cup.
"We have to like it or lump it at the moment," Green said.
"But I think the whole pre-season needs to be looked at.
"Then you've got the international stuff (World Cup) at the end of the year.
"Something's got to give so I think the pre-season is something that they have to look at."
Asked if he would follow it up with the NRL, Green said: "I have said my piece but those decisions are made above us."
Green said scans on Tuesday would reveal the full extent of Hudson's injury.
"He has done something to his knee but he will get scans tomorrow," Green said.
"It's unfortunate for him but it comes with playing Nines - you risk injury."
Meanwhile, Green said he would take a large squad to Saturday night's trial against the Sydney Roosters at Mackay.
The 2015 premiers finish their pre-season against Wests Tigers at Campbelltown on February 17 before their round one clash with Canberra on March 4.
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Stronger Nth Qld pack to be NRL 'targets' Dec 12
- Scott ponders extending NRL career Dec 11
- Winterstein unfazed by 2018 NRL challenges Dec 7
- Cairns set to host Scott's NRL return Dec 6
- Thurston soaking in last NRL pre-season Nov 21
- Thurston early for Cowboys' pre-season Nov 14
- Taumalolo again named Cowboys' best Oct 6
- Morgan keen to thrill alongside Thurston Oct 2
- Cowboys Martin open to hooker switch Oct 1
- Morgan put under the pump by Smith Oct 1
- Gutsy Cowboys count NRL injury costs Oct 1
- Cowboys stars go missing in perfect Storm Oct 1