Taree City v Macleay Valley Group 3 Rugby League | Photos

"I left all my gear at home,'' he said.

"All I had was my boots. I was so worried about making sure the other players were right to get to the game that I forgot by own gear.''

By fulltime the Bulls were wishing Cowan had forgotten the way to the ground. Playing in borrowed gear, he produced a masterclass performance to steer the Mustangs to a commanding 46-12 win.

Cowan made life difficult for the Bulls from the kickoff. If he wasn't stepping around defenders he was showing his silky skills to put support players into space. His pinpoint accurate kicking game in general play was another feature as was his goal kicking.

Cowan said the Mustangs are close to full strength at the moment, but he's still trying to determine his best starting lineup.

"These young kids, I don't know where to put 'em. Put a number on their back and they'll play anywhere,'' Cowan said.

"I just know they can fill a spot where they're needed.''

The Bulls went into the game after their first win of the season the previous match and captain-coach Trae Clark optimistically predicted the side could make a charge to the top five.

However, those hopes were shattered by halftime when the Mustangs led 34-6.

Quicksilver fullback Tyrell Dungay opened the scoring with a smart try and Cowan added the extras.

Moments later crisp passing gave Chris Sines a clear run to the corner and Cowan had no worries with the conversion.

Taree's troubles continued when Cowan did the groundwork for a try to Sam Dunn and the Mustangs had 18 points on the board in as many minutes.

Terrible tryline defence from the Bulls enabled Sines to stroll over for his second try before the Bulls made it onto the board when their best player, Rob Mason, crashed over from close range and Logan Wallis kicked the conversion.

However, the Mustangs finished the half as they started with tries to Miles Mongta and a second to Dungay.

The second half was more of the same, with a try to centre Kieran Cochrane the only bright point for the Bulls.

However, the Mustangs finished the half as they started with tries to Miles Mongta and a second to Dungay.

The second half was more of the same, with a try to centre Kieran Cochrane the only bright point for the Bulls.

Macleay Valley were coming off a 52-24 loss to Old Bar two weekends ago.

"It was pleasing.. good to be back in the winners circle," Mustangs co-coach Anthony Cowan told the Argus.

"Harold Thompson [making his debut] started in lock yesterday and had an absolute blinder considering he got ten in the bin early, he was probably one of our standouts.

"Chris Sines came in for Jason Russell and stepped up by scoring a double."

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