Cowboys coach Paul Green has played down concerns for stand-in skipper Gavin Cooper and centre Justin O’Neill, after resting them at today’s training in Townsville.

Both players only had light duties before heading to the dressing room.

Elizabeth Peel reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Blue and gold fever is well and truly alive in North Queensland as the Cowboys gear up for the NRL grand final.

Cowboys wrapped up their last training before they fly out for the final rumble against the Melbourne Storm at ANZ stadium.

About 2,000 fans turned out this morning in Townsville, to show their support.

Cowboys fans were hoping to see Matt Scott make a comeback from a six month lay-off for an injured knee.

Coach Paul Green has ruled that out.

Paul Green, Cowboys Coach: “I think it’s important that people don’t perceive that Matt was by any means suggesting that he should be takinng the place of the 17, that have done the job for us so far.”

However, several players are on the injured list.

Back-rower Ethan Lowe, a possible fractured eye socket.

Coen Hess and Te Maire Martin with knee injuries.

And John Asiata has a broken hand.

Many die hard fans have forked out up to $2,000 to fly to Sydney for Sunday’s big game.

Others are choosing to take the long trek and drive down instead.

Their heroes are chasing their second premiership win.

Elizabeth Peel, QUT News.