Javid Bowen is hoping the familiar confines of Cairns' Barlow Park assist his push for regular NRL time this season as he battles for a spot in North Queensland's stacked backline.
The Cowboys will play Wests Tigers in a February 17 pre-season clash in Cairns, with Bowen recovering from off-season shoulder surgery and hopeful of playing a part.
Cairns-born Bowen split his time between the Cowboys and Queensland Cup's Barlow Park-based Northern Pride last season, playing 13 NRL games at either wing and centre when regulars Antonio Winterstein and Justin O'Neill were injured.
That pair recovered in time to play in last season's grand final loss to Melbourne, with fellow grand final backline members Lachlan Coote, Kyle Feldt and Kane Linnett all returning to the club this year.
Gympie talent Carlin Anderson has also joined the Cowboys' ranks from Brisbane this season, replacing Newcastle-bound Kalyn Ponga as the club's back-up No.1.
Despite the side's scary depth, the softly spoken Bowen is giving himself a chance of sneaking into coach Paul Green's preferred side, starting with a good showing in Cairns.
"All the outside backs are working hard, we can see that there's a spot there up for grabs," Bowen, the nephew of Cowboys great Matt, said.
"I'm pushing for a spot, trying to start hopefully.
"I'll be back to full-contact (training) next week and want to be playing that first trial in front of all my family and friends."
He pointed to his improvements in defence last season as proof that he was a better player than this time last year.
"I noticed early on I needed to work on my defence, so I tried to concentrate on that, because attack just happens," he said.
"I've just got to work on the defensive side, be consistent defensively, that'll help in getting a spot."
The Cowboys will also play Melbourne in a pre-season trial at Suncorp Stadium on February 23, with the grand final replay billed as a testimonial to club greats Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith.
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