The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

The Cowboys were the best side on the night

20th September, 2014
Advertisement
Johnathan Thurston's Cowboys could be headed towards another decider. (AAP Image/Action Photographics, Colin Whelan).
Expert
20th September, 2014
143
2968 Reads

Johnathan Thurston has every right to be filthy after the Cowboys 31-30 loss to the Roosters at Allianz last night.

The brilliant Cowboys captain, heading for a third Dally M, and a third Golden Boot, scored what would have been the match-winning try with a minute left on the clock.

Senior ref Shayne Hayne was going to award the try until second ref Gavin Badger suggested there was a hint of a forward pass, or knock on, from Robert Lui in the lead-up.

Video ref Bernard Sutton replayed and replayed the incident from 45 degrees at the back of the play, hardly a positive angle, and certainly not conclusive.

Yet he agreed with Badger, and the Cowboys bowed out of the finals.

The “pass” or “knock on” was flat or line ball at worst, leaving Thurston, by far the best player on the park, speechless.

“I’m going to say something stupid, and I’ll regret it,” were his first post-match words.

He was filthy alright, and I don’t blame him.

Advertisement

“Thanks VB, and thanks Channel 9,” were his last words after accepting his man-of-the-match award, then wheeled 180 degrees and disappeared behind the dressing room door.

But what a game.

When the Roosters led 30-nil in 31 minutes, only a Johnathan Thurston would have given his Cowboys a ghost of a chance to even get back in the game, let alone win it.

But 25 playing minutes later the scoreboard told the sensational Cowboy comeback story at 30-all.

Thurston was in everything, cajoling, inspiring, and scoring a try in the process, leaving Sonny Bill Williams grasping at thin air.

During the Cowboy comeback period, Thurston was twice belatedly and heavily tackled late by Aidan Guerra after clearing down-field.

Where was Badger when that happened?

Advertisement

In the wash-up that Sutton video decision leaves a bad taste, so too the refereeing decisions throughout a magnificent game of rugby league.

Thurston was the undisputed standout in a losing side, ably supported by Matt Scott, and the big bloke Jason Taumalolo.

The Roosters best was James Maloney, while Sam Moa, and Sonny Bill got through a heap of work.

But the Cowboys were the best side on the night.

close