An entertaining game of footy and a memorable win for the Cowboys – just 3-2 the penalty count and that really made for a fast-paced, free-flowing game.
Matt Scott was spectacular for the Cowboys tonight, don’t recall seeing him play a better game than that, and that’s saying something. He made 26 tackles and 19 runs for 235 metres and 5 tackle breaks – and his busts put the Cowboys on the front foot on several occasions. Thurston, Morgan and Lui all good tonight too – the JT/Morgan combination is really coming along nicely.
The Broncos were right in it up until the end but a couple of bad mistakes hurt them, including a bombed try from Reed that should have been scored and also Gillett dropping it cold late in the match, setting Thurston up for that field goal. Hunt tried his guts out all night and I thought Barba looked sharper than he has all season, but the Cowboys’ forwards were dominant tonight and they were deserved winners.
It’s a classic NRL Queensland derby when the North Queensland Cowboys take on the Brisbane Broncos at 1300SMILES Stadium. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7:40pm AEST.
With 2014’s first rep weekend out of the way, we return to NRL action with the spectre of State of Origin looming large on the horizon.
Considering their strong Queensland contingents, both of these sides traditionally find it tough going during the Origin period, so a win here tonight will be highly prized.
That said, it’s the Cowboys with perhaps a little more to worry about – last year they were unable to win a single game during Origin weeks, the absence of Johnathan Thurston weighing heavily.
With their already stuttering start to the season, they’ll be desperate to put two points on the board tonight.
They welcome back Gavin Cooper in place of Joel Riethmuller, while hooker Cameron King makes his Cowboys debut with Anthony Mitchell making way.
The Broncos, meanwhile are without Sam Thaiday, who is stil nursing a calf injury, and have raised eyebrows by dropping normally reliable prop Ben Hannant for powerhouse David Hala.
They also welcome back five-eighth Josh Hoffman, pushing Justin Hodges back to his preferred role at centre with Lachlan Maranta forced out of the 17.
The Cowboys have a poor record against the Broncos – they’ve won this fixture less than one in four times since they entered the NRL in 1995.
Tonight, however, I’m tipping them to get the two points.
Cowboys by 8
Loki
Roar Rookie
mmmm!
lynn white
Guest
Broncos must get rid of Anthony Griffins he is not capablle of taking the team to a final. Under his rein Broncos collecting the wooden spoon.
up in the north
Guest
That's funny BA. A couple of six- packs road trip.
BA Sports
Guest
Just a late shout out to Tim Gilbert for this great commentary last night including this gem... (on Ben Barba with his first touch) "Benny Barba, who grew up in this neck of the woods, just down the road in Mackay"... for those unfamiliar,, Mackay is a four hour plus drive from Townsville. So it would be like calling a game at ANZ Stadium and saying "Laurie Daley, who grew up just down the road in Junee.."
ac
Guest
Great Crowd - 21,340 means 1 in every 8 people who live in Townsville was at the game. That must be one of the best supported games anywhere in Australia. Fantastic atmosphere and great game. Good to see the NRL Average attendance moving upwards.
up in the north
Guest
Seriously wjo would have thought the Cowbies would have won tonight? Well apart from staunch supporters at least! Wooo Hoooooo
Adam
Roar Guru
No worries Nick, thanks for your comments mate, keeps it interesting!
Nicholas O'Sullivan
Roar Guru
Yes, great work Adam! Awesome commentary.
up in the north
Guest
Is there a centain nevativity about two queensland sidez competing?
Adam
Roar Guru
Hahaha cheers mate. Northsta?
Adam
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME: Cowboys 27 - Broncos 14 An entertaining game of footy and a memorable win for the Cowboys – just 3-2 the penalty count and that really made for a fast-paced, free-flowing game. Matt Scott was spectacular for the Cowboys tonight, don't recall seeing him play a better game than that, and that's saying something. He made 26 tackles and 19 runs for 235 metres and 5 tackle breaks – and his busts put the Cowboys on the front foot on several occasions. Thurston, Morgan and Lui all good tonight too – the JT/Morgan combination is really coming along nicely. The Broncos were right in it up until the end but a couple of bad mistakes hurt them, including a bombed try from Reed that should have been scored and also Gillett dropping it cold late in the match, setting Thurston up for that field goal. Hunt tried his guts out all night and I thought Barba looked sharper than he has all season, but the Cowboys' forwards were dominant tonight and they were deserved winners.
Scrubbit
Guest
If griffins to get axed this will be the game as to why. You don't drop statically your best prop against the australian duo and it's showing already in the replay.
up in the north
Guest
Love your work scroggsta....
up in the north
Guest
So .....the game is over. Having been won by nortb queensland. Wooooo hooook
Adam
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME: Cowboys 27 - Broncos 14
Adam
Roar Guru
LIVE SCORE: Cowboys 27 - Broncos 14 CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL from Thurston
Adam
Roar Guru
LIVE SCORE: Cowboys 25 - Broncos 14 79' TRY COWBOYS! Kostjasyn has one – went very close to going headfirst into the padding in putting that one down but he squeezes past and has a memorable late try.
Adam
Roar Guru
LIVE SCORE: Cowboys 21 - Broncos 14 79' VIDEO REF! Lui busts through and has put Kostjasyn over to score, checking grounding, not sure why – it was fine!
Nicholas O'Sullivan
Roar Guru
What a game saver by Thurston!
Adam
Roar Guru
LIVE SCORE: Cowboys 21 - Broncos 14 78' Short kick-off drops to Reed who was going over the sideline and tries to get a kick away before going into touch – he makes a meal of it and it all looks a bit comical in the end. Cowboys have a scrum feed.