NRL 2012- 11th Position

I feel for the Cowboys. I really do. It is just so inconceivable how the worlds' best half-back is considering moving into the five-eight position to accommodate Robert Lui as well as strengthen the chances of Queensland. Sure, he grew up playing in the number 6 jersey, even wearing it for Canterbury before his move up north. But Thurston is a half-back, and not just an ordinary one at that.

The problem for the Cowboys in 2012 will be it is just more of the same. Whilst most other teams have strengthened their footballing stocks, the Cowboys will send out the same squad, a team which was becoming rather predictable, playing a similar brand of football for years. If Thurston is not on song, the Cowboys don't win. Robert Lui is a decent footballer, but not one that can turn a game on its head. In saying that, on their day the Cowboys can rack up 50 points against the best in the league. 11th might be a tough fall from grace, but I do feel other teams have improved significantly and the Cowboys will fall behind the pack.

The Key Signing- The Cowboys are banking on the ever so inconsistent Robert Lui becoming a household name at the Dairy Farmers Stadium. A good sharp running game is probably his best asset, but for that to happen he needs the ball, tell Jonathan Thurston that. He will also need to be on his best behaviour, something that came to the lime light at the Tigers.

The Key Loss- The playing squad at North Queensland has not changed too much. Queensland flyer Willie Tonga was shown the door, however this has freed up plenty of space in the cap to give contract extensions to some of the younger stars. No big loss here.

Strengths- Look no further then the deadly Thurston-Bowen combination. The best play maker in the game paired up with a full back who reads the game better then most. When Bowen floats in field and around the play-the-ball, something is on.

Weakness- Unfortunately, the Cowboys strength is also their weakness. Teams are picking up on the combination, narrowing defensive lines to accommodate this. This is where Robert Lui needs to step in, run a different line and keep the opposition on the back foot. The loss of Thurston and a few of the big men up front around Origin time will also dent their cause.

The X-Factor- It is double trouble up front for the Cowboys with brothers Ashton and  Tariq Sims leading the pack. Defenders will fear these two running at them, especially the younger of the siblings, Tariq, who exploded onto the scene in 2011. The props will need to be at their explosive best, running sharp and hard lines to give the play-makers plenty of space in behind the ruck.

One To Watch- Deadly finishers are worth every dollar. A young one who is showing all his potential is Kalifa Faifai Loa. 10 tries in 2011 is just a start for the young man, built in the Manu Vatuvei mould, as Jonathan Thurston and his deadly long passing game will see Kalifa cross the line a few more times in 2012.