Ray Thompson trains with the Cowboys. Source: Evan Morgan / News Limited
THE battle for the Cowboys' starting hooker role may be as hot as the action at the Auckland Nines.
While most positions will have alterations to their traditional play in the attack-minded shortened version of rugby league next month, dummy-half responsibilities will remain very similar.
Crisp service from the ruck, strong instinct on when to run and an unrelenting work ethic in defence will each be pivotal to any team's success at the two-day pre-season tournament.
Although the value of the Nines has been criticised in some quarters from a selection viewpoint, North Queensland coach Paul Green could go a long way towards deciding who will don the No.9 jersey for the Cowboys' March season opener against Canberra.
Ray Thompson, Anthony Mitchell and new boy Cameron King are each vying to be a starter.
"Any time you're on the training paddock or on the field is a time to impress," Thompson said.
"There is a fierce competition for the No.9 spot again ... you can't give them a leg-up because, if they get it, they will take it with both hands and they'll hold on to it for as long as they can.
"Everyone's working really hard and everyone's got a common goal."
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The Cowboys - drawn to meet Manly, Canberra and the Warriors in the Auckland Nines' preliminary rounds - will announce their 15-man squad for the lucrative tournament on February 11.
With modern-day hookers being able to switch between the halves and No.9, there is a chance all three, along with playmaking backrower Rory Kostjasyn, will be picked.
Thompson - who represented Papua New Guinea at last year's World Cup and was North Queensland's primary hooking option last season - in particular heaped praise on King since he arrived at the Cowboys from St George Illawarra in the off-season.
"He's a bit of a larrikin, the boys love him and he's a good bloke," Thompson said.
"He's been training the house down, he's looking fit and strong coming back from a shoulder reconstruction ... so if he gets that spot he thoroughly deserves it."
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