North Queensland Cowboys duo Lachlan Coote and Te Maire Martin are racing the clock to be fit for workhorse forward Scott Bolton's 200th game against the Cronulla Sharks, having completed training on Friday.
Whether or not the fullback and five-eighth participate in Bolton's 200th hinges on how they pull up from training on Saturday.
Coach Paul Green has no doubt they both want to be there, but will only play them if he's certain they are fit to take the field against the defending premiers.
"It's happened before, guys have pulled up sore from [training], it's touch and go, racing the clock sort of thing to see if he's fit for this week anyway… Te Maire got through the session too so I expect him to play," Green said.
"I thought Te Maire was getting some nice combos before he hurt his knee so it's good to have him back and hopefully he can continue improving in that area."
Green praised Bolton's attitude towards his milestone, while also commending the efforts he has made this year in replacing injured forward Matt Scott admirably.
Bolton has been the starting prop since Round 3, and according to Green both his performance and leadership on and off the field has risen to that of a leader within the team.
"'Bolts' is a pretty reserved sort of character and doesn’t make a big deal out of too much at all, but he this year in particular has really stood up," the coach said.
"I think he's done a wonderful job for us in the absence of Matt Scott, I think if anyone needs a reason to play their best I think showing some respect for what he's done for the team this year is it."
Bolton himself lived up to his coach's appraisal of his reserved character, but is looking forward to the occasion against Cronulla.
"It's a very special week for myself and my family, it's been a great journey to be a part of the club for I think it's 11 or 12 years now, I'm really looking forward to it and it's something you hold pretty dear to your heart and hopefully we can go out and get the job done," Bolton said.
