Tigers end losing run vs Cowboys

Wests Tigers snapped a three-match NRL losing streak with a comprehensive 38-18 win over North Queensland on Saturday night in Townsville.

The Tigers created more attacking chances than the Cowboys, who struggled in the absence of injured co-captains Johnathan Thurston (knee) and Matt Scott (back) to slump to their second home loss of the season.

The Sydneysiders had the chance to move back into the top-eight with a victory and they opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Gareth Ellis pounced on a Robbie Farah grubber.

They doubled their lead after 23 minutes when Blake Ayshford was put into a gap by Tim Moltzen.

The Cowboys hit back four minutes before halftime through Cory Paterson, and were first to score in the second half when centre Willie Tonga intercepted a Liam Fulton pass and ran 40 metres in the 42nd minute.

The Tigers extended their lead just six minutes later when Benji Marshall showed some fancy footwork to skip past two Cowboys’ defenders.

Tim Moltzen gave West Tigers a 14-point lead after 53 minutes when he ran 50 metres after collecting a Robbie Farah flick pass.

Cowboys’ fullback Matt Bowen assumed most of the playmaking duties on the night and he collected his own clever chip before running 40 metres to put Tonga through for his second try of the night after 61 minutes.

Ayshford crossed for his second try with seven minutes remaining, benefiting from a favourable bounce from a Marshall bomb.

Paterson then added his second try after being put into a gap by halfback Matthew Morgan.

Liam Fulton ended the Tigers rout, crossing in the 79th minute when he was put into space by Farah.

Tigers’ coach Tim Sheens was pleased his side could break their losing streak while still missing key players.

“Considering the conditions, I think we played pretty well,” Sheens said.

“We played with a lot more composure, we kicked better and we could’ve done a little bit better but we got some repeat sets and built some pressure and taught ourselves a lesson tonight, hopefully.”

Captain Robbie Farah said the side had finally managed to put their hard work in training out onto the field.

“Our performances haven’t been great but we’ve been training well and our preparation was, again great, this week and it was pleasing that we got things right and finished off the opportunities we got tonight,” he said.

Cowboys’ coach Neil Henry said his side had been on the wrong end of a hiding and the scoreline reflected a lack of attacking opportunities.

“We can use it as a bit of motivation to say it’s a bit of a hollow feeling. We’ve had a good track record here over the last few weeks and to come back home after a good win last week and to turn up and play like that (is disappointing),” Henry said.

“(It was a) difficult night for us. We’ll reflect on it but not for too long and there’s not too many positives to look back on.”