Bowen Set For Nines, Not Thurston

[josie andrews]

Retired North Queensland great Matt Bowen looks set to make a triumphant return for the Cowboys at the Auckland Nines.

But it seems the long wait to see Johnathan Thurston feature in the NRL season opener will continue.

Cowboys coach Paul Green did not rule out a Bowen comeback at next month's Nines after the veteran fullback was spotted on Thursday at training.

However, Green admitted he would not risk co-captains Thurston and Matt Scott at the traditional opener with the World Club Challenge (WCC) looming.

Speculation that Bowen would maintain the trend of retired legends returning for one last Nines hurrah began late last year after confirming he would take up a Cowboys development role in 2016 following a UK Super League stint.

And the 33-year-old Bowen didn't mind perpetuating the rumour, tweeting last month he would play if selected.

Green hinted the Cowboys' games record-holder would need to earn his Nines spot.

"He's got to pass a beep test so that might rule him out," Green joked.

"(But) we're going over there to take it seriously.

"Not that Matty wouldn't be up to it, but any team we take we want to make sure they're up to the standard."

Cowboys favourite son Bowen watched North Queensland's historic 2015 NRL title win from the UK.

The closest Bowen came to a premiership for his beloved North Queensland was the 2005 grand final loss to the Wests Tigers.

http://www.triplem.com.au/melbourne/spo ... -thurston/