There’s no place like home for North Queensland who edged out South Sydney 20-18 in an NRL thriller in Townsville on Saturday night.
And the loss could prove costly for both the Rabbitohs and Queensland ahead of Origin III, with forward Chris McQueen hobbling off with an ankle injury at the 51 minute mark.
The men from Townsville have been woeful on the road this year, hitting their lowest ebb on Monday when they were humbled by bottom-placed Newcastle – their seventh road loss of the year.
But 1300 Smiles Stadium has been a fortress and the Cowboys – spearheaded by Johnathan Thurston – proved it in a match that had plenty of feeling.
Thurston, playing his first game at halfback since 2011, ignited the Cowboys from the first whistle as he laid on two tries and had a hand in a third.
The representative playmaker ambushed the Rabbitohs as the Cowboys raced out to a 14-0 lead in less than nine minutes of action.
It started with a kick for winger Curtis Rona to bat back to centre Matthew Wright. Then a face ball put Tariq Sims over and a crisp pass to Kane Linnett led to an Antonio Winterstein try in the left corner.
A Winterstein fumble on his own tryline gifted the Rabbitohs field position and McQueen gobbled up an Adam Reynolds grubber to put the visitors on the board.
But the Cowboys hit back minutes later through some spectacular athleticism from Rona, who again batted the ball back for Wright.
Thurston missed the conversion, but nailed a penalty goal soon after to give his side a 20-6 halftime advantage.
Three penalties swung momentum back in South Sydney’s favour after the break as Jason Clark celebrated his birthday with a try under the sticks.
Greg Inglis seemed certain to score in the 66th minute, only stopped by a great one-on-one tackle from his opposite number Michael Morgan.
Ingis he got his result soon after, with John Sutton threading a perfect kick through the line for the rampaging fullback with Reynolds’ conversion narrowing the margin to just two.
Sam Burgess was a tower of power for the Rabbitohs, running 151 metres and making 46 tackles.
He was also involved in a number of heated exchanges between the Burgess and Sims brothers.
Trenno
Guest
Unfortunately Hezron hasn't set the world on fire since his return from injury. Would love to see Morgo at 5/8th, but not until Coote is back. If they were to give someone else a shot at fullback it should be Zac Santo, one of the fastest players in our squad and plenty of experience at Fulback.
KB
Guest
I don't think so..even with 18th Man Ben cummins they couldn't get up..
Joel
Guest
Would like to see Michael Morgan into 5/8 and Hezron Murgha from the pride to fullback.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Agree re the lack of direction at times, this is where Reynolds needs to step up. Luke is one of our best players each week, Sutto doesn't have the motor while GI puts in one game every 4, seems to save himself for Origin this time of year. Souths lack a good onfield leader. Hard to see anyone other than Manly v Roosters GF at this stage.
V.O.R.
Guest
I think there are some serious question marks over the professionalism of the video refs. They are going to have to find some solution...things are on the slide.
Bulldog
Guest
JT getting stiff armed in head by grub burgess. No penalty. 40/20 no referral by ref. burgess knock on. How many more do you want. And don't call me genius
V.O.R.
Guest
Even the Fox commentators mentioned the inconsistancy of how the refs were policing the ruck...Penalties turn matches....Cowboys were pinged for slowing the play the ball when Souths were working there way back into the game. This policing was not recicropcated when Cowboys had the ball and were being laid on. Just sub standard refereeing, nothing more....Green also brought it up in the press conference.
Dallas
Guest
Thurston showed he is still the number one half in the game. Playing at half back is much more suited to his playing style. He is a player who plays his best when he has the ball in his hands 3-4 times a set of six, steering his side around the park and taking opportunities when they appear infront of him, similar to Joey and Alfy. Rather then playing at 6 where he only gets the ball 1-2 times a set and is expected to pull something from nothing. He is at his best when he is a constant threat and his competiveness and eagerness around the footy when playing half back is what sets him apart from the rest.
Yatayee
Guest
There is a reason both Merritt and Goodwin have been dropped from the side this year. Whilst Maguire clearly had no choice through various injuries in the side, this should be an unpleasant reminder as to who is capable of playing first grade football. Obviously they are both not entirely to blame, as it was clear from the kick off that the whole team was sluggish and looked tired. On the flipside, why the Cowboys didn't move Thurston to half back sooner is beyond me, and their defence was outstanding with the likes of Ashton Simms. Watch this space from next week onwards with the return of Luke Keary and George Burgess (he was sorely missed last night). - Rabbitohs will fire up from here on to the finals run and be hard to beat. Here's hoping those nerves are under control come finals time.
jacksyd
Guest
Which incidents are you referring to genius, and why would they do that?
The eye
Guest
I cant remember a team with the amount of inherent ability yet lack of brain and direction than this Souths side,which doubles the pain when your key players Luke,Sutton and GI dont put in.
Bulldog
Guest
Refs did everything in second half to get Rabbits back in game. They were embarrassing. Excellent defence by cows to keep them out.
Fairy fairfax
Roar Rookie
Some of the shine was taken off the Burgess brothers by Ashton Simms.