A serious elbow injury to Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah soured their 16-4 NRL win over North Queensland on Saturday night in front of a paltry crowd at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Farah scored one try and laid on another before leaving the field in the 78th minute with a dislocated right elbow.
Wests Tigers medical staff managed to pop the elbow back into place immediately on the field.
Just 6456 fans saw the home side record their fourth victory of the season in a scrappy game that never reached any great heights.
Six days earlier, a crowd of 16,311 cheered the Tigers to a superb victory over Manly in terrible weather conditions at Leichhardt Oval.
The Cowboys opened the scoring in the 28th minute when centre Brent Tate crossed out wide after a crossfield run by five-eighth and co-captain Johnathan Thurston.
Wests Tigers drew level in the 38th minute when Farah scooted out from dummy-half to brush off second-rower Jason Taumalolo.
Winger Pat Richards converted to give the Tigers a 6-4 lead at halftime.
Farah laid on his side’s second try when a grubber kick bounced off the shoulder of Cowboys lock Tariq Sims and hit the upright.
The ball bounced into the arms of club debutant Blake Austin to score under the posts in the 46th minute and Richards converted for a handy 12-4 advantage.
Wests Tigers centre Tim Simona was denied a try in the 67th minute after falling short of the line. The result was put beyond doubt in the next set of six when Farah showed the ball in a crossfield run to send Richards over.
Young Wests Tigers fullback Kurtis Rowe, replacing the injured James Tedesco, suffered a hip injury early in the second half in his NRL debut.
Rowe, who last season worked as a merchandise assistant in the Wests Tigers’ retail shop at Concord Oval, was solid under the high ball after a nervous start.
Christian D'Aloia
Roar Guru
Really? His defence is definitely strong, and he's got the character to get in Queensland's faces. But he offers little in attack.
Haz
Guest
If multiple coaches are having difficulty with a talented side (see also: Warriors), I always suspect team culture. If there are too many egos around, it makes it hard for the coach to do what he wants to do. That's why getting rid of Benji Marshall has been so good for Potter at the Tigers; he can finally play the style of footy he wants his team to play.
Joel
Guest
Is it time for the Cows to believe that they can win the comp? the last couple of years have taken their toll....
Muzz
Guest
Jack - Take a look at the Tigers website for an update on Farah. Christian - I think Ennis may get another crack at SOO.
Christian D'Aloia
Roar Guru
NSW will be in big trouble if he misses SOO. If Gallen doesn't make it back in time, they'll be without a top class hooker and a recognised leader.
Christian D'Aloia
Roar Guru
There really isn't much else the Tigers can do about their crowd numbers at this point. They've lowered ticket prices right down and the team is playing some good football. They seem like a club that's under pressure to stay afloat to me.
Jack
Guest
That's if it's dislocated, it could be just hyperextended. Tallis was saying on MMM this morning that he dislocated hits elbow and it was more uncomfortable at the gym than on the field. He might miss 2-3 weeks.
Tobias Zulaikha
Roar Rookie
Eels v Tigers shaping up as a cracker next week! Farah however, will be a massive loss. I don't know what the answer is for Wests Tigers' appalling crowd attendance. Speaking as an old Balmain fan, I feel for Magpies' fans who have gotten little out of the joint venture. In hindsight, relocating to Campbelltown full-time from the start would have helped even up the marriage, however it's hard to press claims for that to happen now with such dismal figures in the south west that again occurred last night.
Muzz
Guest
Farah will be out for 6 to 8 weeks and will probably miss SOO 1.
Joel
Guest
How can a ref instigate a review when the player isn't even over the line, saying no try but check it because I would really like to award the Tigers a try?
tigerdave
Guest
Great game. The forwards just ripped into each other. I don't think any forward had a bad game. Farrah was the difference, having a hand in the three tries. Cowboys defence was first class as was the Tiger boys. The Tigers won their previous games on breaking defensive lines up. The Cowboys didn't lie down and both sides showed how they can perform in an arm wrestle. Both sides will be difficult to beat as the competiton progresses. Farrah is the worry. Without him, can the Tigers win. Austin should be a permanent member of this side. Anasta back next week, maybe Austin could play the nine, but we have a fair hooker in the wings, but Farrah is Farrah.
Charlie
Guest
The Cowboys have had a good team on paper for quite a few years but, apart from Thurston, they are playing with...well...disinterest. There is no passion and commitment to win. I'm not sure the coach is the problem, maybe its more a bad culture at the club that accepts second best. There's a few things to look at - is there a she'll be right, boys will be boys, drinking culture outside of footy commitments; is the coach directly in control of the team's preparation and performance or are there roles in the club (player manager, CEO, Chairman, directors) that disrupt the link and accountability of players; are the players contracts written with the right incentives and disincentive based on performance; is there disharmony between players and factional splits; do the game tactics suit team abilities; are players or associates betting on the results; is the club too forgiving of failure! Thurston must be grinding his teeth at the Cowboys.
Sportfreak
Guest
sounds like there may not be any more games at Campbelltown in season 2015 and beyond going by the CEO's comments. The Wests Tigers is a funny marriage. Wests have the cash but not the crowds. Tigers are broke but can still pack out Leichhardt Oval.
curaeus
Guest
Couple of things. Potter has at long last attracted the kind of appreciation and support from WITHIN the WT club that he always deserved and will get an extended contract very soon. Dont think Farah's injury is as serious as it first looked and believe he will be back very soon if he misses any football at all. JT had one of those nights and as a Tigers fan I'm very glad he did! Thought Tamou and Matty Scott played pretty good in a beaten pack. Can't comment on Green but Matty Elliott an excellent coach is available!
The eye
Guest
It must be getting clearer to the Cowboy front that their biggest liability is the coach..Green makes Henry look like Jack Gibson..every player in the side is worse off..JT's fumbling around,the Australian front rowers were out played all ends up again,Brent Tate continues to frequently not have quick enough hands to unmarked wingers,Taumalolo is clearly impact only bench and Robert Lui isn't playing at a 1st grade level..and thats been happening ALL year...the polar opposite to what Potter is getting from his players..if he can keep them winning without Farrah he's a genius.