Victories may be rare for North Queensland but Cowboys prop Josh McGuire still feels sheepish about winning the title of NRL’s best sledger.
The work horse admits he hasn’t had much to crow about after his side slumped to five losses in six games but hopes North Queensland makes a statement in Sunday’s NRL clash with Penrith.
It should have been no surprise that McGuire was a runaway victor as the game’s best sledger in a players’ poll held in conjunction with the NRL’s official website this week.
Just last month the matter of fact forward provided a reminder of his unique oratory talents when he gave both barrels to his own teammates.
After a frustrating round six loss to Wests Tigers, McGuire said any Cowboys players not doing their job were “taking the p**s” and urged them to take pride in their jersey or “go dig a hole or get on the tools” after their “s***house” display.
But McGuire seemed reluctant to claim the title on Wednesday.
“I can get a bit cheeky when we’re winning but I haven’t got much to sledge about at the moment,” he said.
“(Former Melbourne star) Will Chambers is still the best I’ve ever seen and he’s left now – I’ll let him be the best.”
McGuire would have been forgiven for directing another spray at his fellow Cowboys after their 42-16 last round loss to Sydney Roosters which relegated his side to 12th on the ladder.
Instead he hoped to inspire with his actions against Penrith.
“Us as senior players have to drive that constant professionalism of trying to perform for 80 minutes,” he said.
“If you’re the highest paid player at the club or a young guy coming in, once you put on that jersey there is an expectation that you perform – we are trying to drive that at this club.
“We obviously haven’t been producing performances that are up to the standard of this club – as players we have to be accountable for that.”
McGuire refused to blame the Cowboys’ growing injury list for their woes despite superstar Valentine Holmes (ankle) and playmaker Scott Drinkwater (knee) becoming the latest additions this week.
“That (blaming injuries) is a bit of a cop out,” he said.
“It’s not like they are giving up. I would hate to think anyone is giving up.
“But I think people need to make better decisions under fatigue – concentration lapses really cost you.”