Logan Bayliss-Brow (Prop), Reuben Cotter, (Hooker) Tom Gilbert (Lock/Prop) & Kurt Wiltshire (Centre/Wing) have joined the Cowboys 2019 NRL squad.
I don't have any sources, but I get the feeling the Cowboys got into a SERIOUS bidding war over Cotter, surely now they're out of the running for Corey Oates?
Bayliss-Brow is a junior rep forward who burst onto the Hasting Deering's scene for the Blackhawks. Still only 19, I can see Bayliss-Brow splitting time between ISC and Hasting Deering's. If he makes the most of his Intrust Super Cup performances, I wouldn't be surprised to see him nab a bench spot at some point, he's clearly rated highly.
Cotter was a stand-out coming through the age levels before injury robbed him from U/18s on. Still only 20 years of age, the Cowboys clearly rate Reuben's mettle and ability to keep plying his trade despite his awful luck with injuries. I'd imagine the Cowboys will employ a 'wait and see' approach but he's the type of player the Cowboys have desperately needed off the bench. A tough competitive player who can fill in for Granville without dragging the team down. If there's one player who deserves better luck in 2019, it's Cotter.
Gilbert was plucked out of Mal Meninga Cup and placed straight into the Hasting Deering's starting side after only two games. While he wasn't able to finish the season, Gilbert announced himself as one of the best prospects in the game with a strong performance in the U/18s. I'd imagine he'll follow a similar pathway as Bayliss-Brow and if he continues to improve at his current rate could even leapfrog Bayliss. Still, it's a big ask since he's a smaller forward and the Cowboys already have Taumalolo and Asiata to fill that loose forward role.
Finally there's Kurt Wiltshire the U/20s Centre who also spent half the season for the Mackay Cutters in the ISC. Wiltshire is a strong carrier who can be a real strike weapon out-wide. Of the four players, Wiltshire is the most likely to play first grade and could be a name worth keeping in mind for Fantasy Players looking for a cheapy.
The Cowboys' rejuvenation keeps taking place. Wiltshire was terrific this year in a team that lost Cudleigh and Laybutt and struggled.
Strong runner and by the end was contributing for other players too- against Wynnum he set up their first try. He plays on the left too which will help the Cowboys who need outside backs.
Cotter hasn't played in two years so hard to have any form line but clearly they love him. Gilbert was injured too at the end of the year.
Gilbert was a big reason the Blackhawks made the GF. Off-season might be about weight gain for him, he will need to get up there a bit. He went to BGS too so a Brisbane kid.
Exciting times at the Cowboys that they're promoting these guys.