Last Saturday, the 19th of March, was the Cowboys first home game of the season. One would of thought after the shock win over the Broncos, the Cowboys might be set for a big season. It all came crashing down with the Newcastle Knights bringing supporters down earth.
It wasn’t only the terrible game on the field that made it a bad night for North Queensland Cowboys supporters. It was the overall atmosphere.
Apparently, those in HQ thought it was a genius idea to have Jonathan Thurston appear on the screen, repeatedly saying in a voiceover, and I quote: “C’mon North Queensland, I need your support”. Over and over again.
It was forced, tacky and embarrassing to see that North Queensland HQ is insulting the intelligence of the supporters. This force-feeding of chants meant the crowd was dead quiet, and rightfully so.
There has being reports on the game itself so I wouldn’t delve into any more but it was a disgraceful effort by the Cowboys to let in soft tries and overall poor defense.
In particular, one Micheal Bani who was one of the worst players on the field. If he isn’t cut from the squad next week it shows Neil Henry’s incompetent as a coach to cut out the weak links in the squad.
Overall, the Cowboys gave us supporters false hope after Round one and I fear that the rest of the season may be repeat of Round two over and over again unless some changes are made. A least, the Under-20’s won so it was a small constellation but not a fulfilling one.
Sam el Perro
Guest
The Broncos had something similar in Round One, with Sam Thaiday encouraging the crowd to "Get loud!". Very embarrassing!
NF
Guest
Thank god Bani is gone hope for a big improver on a Monday. Hopefully they be fired up after the dissapointment of last week.
therookie
Roar Pro
BANI GET OUT! Yes I agree the Cowboys played horribly, but hopefully that will be the worst game of the season. Next up is the Storm, so hopefully home ground advantage will help the Cowboys upset the Storm and yes the Cowboy's selectors have heard EVERYONE'S call and Kalifa Fai Loa is IN and Bani is OUT! YES! Also watch young gun James Segeyaro who will be on debut for North Queensland. An upcoming star who played the best in the Cowboys side. He should make impact at hooker when he replaces Aaron Payne so really exciting to see him have a start. Going back to the Cowboys horror night, a LOT of errors denied them from certain try-scoring equations so really disappointing not to see them. Ray Thompson played really well in defence not so in attack. And good on Ash Graham who scored a double in his 100th match. And good fight back all together from the Cowboys to reduce the margin. Melbourne on Monday make us proud.
DumpStar
Roar Rookie
With one of those away sides who won sharing the same ground as the home side, it's really only 4 away teams winning. That all said, it really comes down to the Cowboys forwards looking to get some consistency. If they can dominate for periods then Thurston will make them pay. Like all teams it's go forward that is required before the backline can actually do anything.
kerapp
Guest
Didn't see the game and the ABC's radio broadcast is more like a four-way conversation instead of an accurate description when the games are in Townsville. However, I managed to understand that the humidity was terrible, and I agree Bani had a shocker in defense. Still think that the Cowboys will win more than last year, or put another way, finish closer to the eight. Funny round, with five home sides losing.
oikee
Guest
Replace Bani, you have to ask the question why he was signed in the 1st place. He ran around last year and was not a 1st grade player, why do you think Manly got rid of him. Mate, their are bigger issues at the Cowboys, and its not Bani's fault. This club made the mistake of paying to much for Thurston. Now they are paying the price on the feild. They have not got a bad team, they are missing Tate and need a good winger, i think Winterstein is out as well, apart from that, depth is a worry. Injuries will cripple their chances all year. Glad the Prince William did not turn up to watch this rabble. :) I think its time fans come up with some half decent chants. It is not a crime to boo or chant someone stinks. I also think its time every club employed a court jester to get the crowd chanting.
GC Bulletin
Guest
I remember at Steelers Stadium the obvious chant 'Steelers -clap clap clap- Steelers etc' used to go around when the team was winning. Some bright spark in the marketing department decided that he would tape what sounded like two ten year old girls doing the chant and play this over the loud speaker at games to encourage the crowd. The result was the exact opposite of course with the crowd to embarressed to join in the manufactured chant. But yes if Kai Fai Loa (spelling) doesn't replace Bani this week he should ask for a release from the club coz he's never going to get a run