COMING HOME: Former Sunshine Coast Falcons half Dan Murphy returns to Warwick for his first game of the TRL season tonight when the Cowboys host Goondiwindi at Father Ranger Oval.
COMING HOME: Former Sunshine Coast Falcons half Dan Murphy returns to Warwick for his first game of the TRL season tonight when the Cowboys host Goondiwindi at Father Ranger Oval. John McCutcheon

Cowboys welcome Dan Murphy for key encounter

RUGBY LEAGUE: Friday night football makes a glorious return to Warwick this evening, however the Cowboys' main focus is getting their season back on track.

Trying to make sense of Warwick's form to date is the equivalent of completing a maze blindfolded.

In the opening round they scored a narrow win over Highfields, who went on to hammer Pittsworth 32-0.

Before the Easter break, they went down heavily to the Diehards, who escaped with a two-point win over the Danes in round one.

Coach Phil Economidis said he hoped a big crowd would be on hand as his side looked to bounce back against Goondiwindi.

"We're looking forward to the home game, and hopefully the town will turn out to give them plenty of support,” Economidis said.

"We had five key players out (against the Diehards), and Dalby were buoyed by a lop-sided penalty count of 16-2.

"That's something we've had to address.”

Despite being undermanned against Dalby, Economidis said he was looking forward to having his stars back on the field, including a returning Queensland Cup player.

"It's the strongest team I've fielded to date on paper, but on paper doesn't always guarantee success,” he said.

"Gary Ellery, Joe Fuimauno and Dan Murphy are key players returning, and it changes the dynamic of the team.

"Dan is definitely raring to go. We wanted to make sure it was 100 per cent.

"He probably could've played against Dalby, but we thought the extra two weeks was the best decision for the long-term.

"It's time for us to set the foundation in order to string a few wins together.

"This is an important game for us. We have quality players back in, and no excuses.”

Three grades of football take centre stage at Father Ranger Oval tonight, with A-grade starting at 8.30pm.



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