Fury coach Fergie: Fowler can handle Sydney kicking

North Queensland Fury coach Ian Ferguson is confident Robbie Fowler can handle any negative tactics from Sydney FC for tonight's A-League opener.

''I expect people to be on him, but he's a player that has done it all through his career, he knows how to play, he knows positions to take up,'' Ferguson said yesterday.

''As far as positions or people trying to kick him or him trying to get away from someone, that has all got to come down to him.

''He will be (able to take of himself), there's no doubt about it.

''It's just going to be natural that the player playing against Robbie Fowler is going to be 10-foot tall ... he's smart, he knows what's coming his way.''