There’s just five games to go for both the Penrith Panthers and North Queensland Cowboys, and both teams will be equally hungry to get the two points tonight when they lace up at Centrebet Stadium.
Both teams are currently on the outside looking in for the finals, with Panthers in 11th spot (only three points behind 8th, coming into the round) and Cowboys in 13th (five points away).
The momentum of these two sides could not be more different. Penrith have slumped with three straight losses, and have been knocked about with some key players ruled out – Nigel Plum, Sika Manu and Adam Docker to name a few.
Last week’s game against the Roosters pushed Penrith further down the ladder. Leading tryscorer David Simmons helped the Panthers to an early lead, but the Roosters scored twice quickly to lead at halftime. The Roosters exploded after halftime for four tries in the first 20 minutes of the second half, with a final score a humbling 42-6.
The Cowboys provide a stark contrast with their clean bill of health, naming an unchanged starting lineup to the one that performed admirably last week. Against the Rabbitohs, Brent Tate scored the first try of the game, and Johnathan Thurston was heavily involved in the second to give the Cowboys a 12-0 lead at half. The Cowboys produced three more tries in the second half before giving up a couple consolation tries, and the fulltime score was 30-12.
Last time the Panthers and Cowboys was back in Round 5 of this season, and it did not go well for Penrith. The Cowboys scored within the first three minutes, and then twice more in the next ten minutes as this game was wrapped up early. Both Simmons and James Segeyaro came close for the Panthers but ball control was an issue and the Panthers couldn’t get on the board, losing 30-0.
Prediction
Both sides are desperate for the win, but the Cowboys even more so, and they’re a good deal more likely to score early and often. Cowboys by 12.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Penrith Panthers 4 - 36 North Queensland Cowboys The Panthers fought hard, and even dominated in periods but the bounce went with the better side, the North Queensland Cowboys. Man of the Match is clearly Thurston, who was heavily involved with more than half of his sides points and had the game well in control. Honourable mentions to Tamou, Thompson and Feldt, and on the other side Moylan and Kingston had strong games. Next week the Cowboys are at home against the Titans, and the Panthers will travel to face the Warriors. Thanks for joining us on the Roar!
Zaccaaa
Guest
I had cowboys in the top 4 at the start of the year.. What happend to this side
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
80' Penrith Panthers 4 - 36 North Queensland Cowboys Coote chips for Moylan, but he can't quite bring it in and it falls into Bowen's hands. And that'll be the end of it at Centrebet Stadium!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
80' Penrith Panthers 4 - 36 North Queensland Cowboys On the last Lui kicks dead, and the Panthers will have a final chance from their 20.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
79' Penrith Panthers 4 - 36 North Queensland Cowboys Isaac John puts a grubber through on the last, and it runs dead. Likely one more set each.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
78' Penrith Panthers 4 - 36 North Queensland Cowboys Penalty against Thompson for slowing the play of the ball, and Coote kicks the Panthers inside the 20.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
77' Penrith Panthers 4 - 36 North Queensland Cowboys Coote tries a chip but is sandwiched in the chase and the Cowboys have the ball again inside the Penrith half. Now a knock on by Sims, and the Panthers will bring it out.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
76' Penrith Panthers 4 - 36 North Queensland Cowboys Bomb by Thurston is knocked back by the Cowboys, but it bounces to a straggling Tim Grant to cover for Penrith.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
75' Penrith Panthers 4 - 36 North Queensland Cowboys Kick by Mansour is almost regathered by the same man but he knocks it dead on the slippery surface. 75% completion rate for the Panthers tonight.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
73' Penrith Panthers 4 - 36 North Queensland Cowboys Scrappy offloads by the Cowboys but it produces equally scrappy defence by the Panthers, who give away a penalty. Thurston kicks but it stays infield!
Dave from Cyclone Country
Guest
Where has this been all year? Bring on the Titans next week.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
72' Penrith Panthers 4 - 36 North Queensland Cowboys Cowboys still defending with all the vigour they had in the first ten minutes, getting three men often in the tackle. Coote puts a bomb up, taken by Feldt.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
71' Penrith Panthers 4 - 36 North Queensland Cowboys I hope the faithful Penrith fans who've stayed will see their team reward their loyalty! Simmons tries a line break but is tossed back by Linnet.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
70' Penrith Panthers 4 - 36 North Queensland Cowboys Video ref is having a look at the offside, think it'll be a hattrick for Thompson... TRY! Three in 12 minutes! Thurston to convert, simple one and it's SUCCESSFUL
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
69' Penrith Panthers 4 - 30 North Queensland Cowboys Another TRY for Thompson! Perhaps his third of the night! The ball was played through for Feldt who kicked it soccer-style infield, and Tate flipped it off the ground for a racing Thompson.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
68' Penrith Panthers 4 - 30 North Queensland Cowboys Only a 28 metre set by the Panthers, and a chip almost played well for Moylan but was just past his outstretched arms.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
67' Penrith Panthers 4 - 30 North Queensland Cowboys Another chance for the Cowboys on offer. Tate tries a grubber but Mansour is able to scoop it up.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
66' Penrith Panthers 4 - 30 North Queensland Cowboys Penalty against the Panthers for a messy play of the ball, and the Cowboys get the scrum right on halfway.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
65' Penrith Panthers 4 - 30 North Queensland Cowboys Fifteen minutes to go, and I think we'll definitely see more points on the board. Lui kicks on the fourth into touch, and the Cowboys are all smiles.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
64' Penrith Panthers 4 - 30 North Queensland Cowboys It's clear that Penrith have given up this game and are now experimenting with their field positions. Conversion is successful, and with that Thurston is over 1,300 NRL points.