The return of veteran Scott Bolton from his NRL-imposed suspension can't come a moment too soon for the Cowboys as they look to arrest a four-game losing streak at Mt Smart Stadium this weekend.
Bolton pleaded guilty to common assault in January and was handed a 10-game ban by the NRL as part of their crackdown on poor off-field behaviour.
The NRL then offered to halve the suspension to five games if the 31-year-old agreed to address captains and senior players of all 16 clubs during the Magic Round in Brisbane in May.
Bolton has been named on the bench by Paul Green for the clash with the powerful Warriors pack and his experience will be crucial.
“He's certainly been through the ringer personally," Green said.
"The players appreciate having him around and I think for himself too, he's glad to be back on the paddock as well.
Every try from Round 5
"It's been pretty straining on all parties, we've dealt with it and he's done his time.”
With enforcer Jason Taumalolo still sidelined, Green needs the likes of Matt Scott, Jordan McLean, Josh McGuire and Bolton to play big minutes and take the game up to the Warriors forwards.
“Scott’s played plenty of games, he's got plenty of experience under his belt," Green said.
"I know when Boltsy needs a break, I've coached him for long enough so he’ll be right.”
In the absence of injured winger Nene Macdonald, another experienced campaigner Justin O’Neill has been named to start after finding form and scoring two tries in the Blackhawks' win over Redcliffe in the Intrust Super Cup.
“It was good to see him play well, that's what you want to see happen, by all reports he was really good," Green said.
“There’s no doubt he can do it. Having him and Bolts back in the team, they’re both experienced guys, both played in some big games for us, so that's what we need at the moment.”
O’Neill will play out of position on the wing, with Green choosing to stick with Enari Tuala in the centres after some positive signs against the Storm.
“Enari deserves another chance. I don’t want to bring him in for a week and then drop him," Green said.
"Justin will certainly help Enari having that experience.
“I think it's important enjoying what you’re playing. It's important for everyone and I think guys play their best footy when they are enjoying it.”
“Sometimes we can all get caught up in the pressure and the stress that comes with winning and losing games of footy but we've got to remember why we did it in the first place."
