Former North Queensland star Josh Hannay has urged fans to keep the faith, declaring the club has the quality personnel to unleash a top-four NRL charge once they click.
The last-placed Canterbury Bulldogs and the Cowboys (11th) have been the major disappoints of the NRL so far after both were widely touted as possible 2013 grand finalists.
The Cowboys’ lethal attack – led by Johnathan Thurston and fullback Matty Bowen – has scored just 98 points for two wins – the same tally as Penrith who’ve lost their last five games.
But Hannay, who scored almost 900 points in 150 NRL games for the club and remains its youngest debutant, says while they’re underperforming they’ve got the necessary talent to make a serious charge at the top four once they hit their straps.
“They’re just a little bit off the pace at the moment with three or four sides that look a notch above everyone else,” Hannay told AAP on Tuesday.
“It’s just not happening for them right now but you look at the roster they’ve got and the great coaching staff.
“It’ll turn around, I’ve got no doubt.
“We’ve all seen how good they are when they do click into gear.
“Once it happens I think they can go on a real roll and string a number of wins together.
“It hasn’t happened yet, but when it does happen, and it will happen, I’ve got no doubt they can can stride up the ladder in a hurry.”
Hannay felt the club with which he played in the 2005 grand final loss to Wests Tigers, was still coming to terms with the retirement of hooker Aaron Payne who had a wonderful understanding with Thurston and Bowen.
“Sometimes you don’t realise someone’s impact until they’re gone.” said Hannay.
“Payney was one of those players who was very important to a number of players, especially JT and Bowen, they had a great combination like Melbourne, Manly and South Sydney have at the moment with their 7-6-9.
“I’m sure Johnathan and whoever plays in the halves with him and Matty at the back are still feeling their way a little bit.”
The Cowboys have tried Englishman Scott Moore, local product Anthony Mitchell and Storm recruit Rory Kostjasyn, who looked good against Brisbane, in the No.9 jumper.
“They’re still looking for the right mix. It might take another six weeks to find the right formula and when they do look out,” Hannay said.
Fans will be hoping the Cowboys discover their mojo this weekend at home against Canberra.